Biological fertilizer produced with Microgeo technology changes plant leaf temperature

The Sugarcane stage of the ‘Brazil Microbiome Challenge’ (DMB) 2021 took place on September 10th. The event, which is in its second edition, evaluated works that analyzed the use of Biological Fertilizer produced with Microgeo in sugarcane cultivation.

The Prof. Dr. Carlos Alexandre Costa Crusciol and Dr. Gabriela Ferraz de Siqueira, are the consultants who authored the winning experiment. They carried out the analyzes in the area of ​​a plant located in the city of Colombia, in São Paulo. The application was made in ratoon next to the vinasse.  

“Our assessment was of the physiological part of the plant, what it manifests through this sustainable management. We concluded that there was a considerable improvement in water use efficiency and that the plant is more tolerant in a situation of drought and water stress. This resulted in greater growth, an increase in the diameter and number of culms and a better development of tillers. This resulted in a 10% gain in productivity and an increase of 1,2 tons of sugar per hectare”, said Crusciol.

One of the analyzes that stood out in the researchers' work was the response of leaf temperature in areas where biological fertilizer was applied. This fact was one of the determining factors for the experiment to be chosen as the winner, according to professor Dr. Rafael Otto, from the “Luiz de Queiroz” School of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP), who was one of the names on the evaluation panel. “It was very interesting, as they evaluated the physiological part. The analyzes demonstrated that in treatments with Microgeo Biotechnology the plant was using CO more efficiently₂, using water better and reducing leaf temperature, which was something very innovative”, he explained.

When presenting the work developed, the consultant made an analogy with a car engine. “Surprisingly, the technology reduced the leaf temperature and provided thermal comfort for the “engine”. We also identified an increase in CO assimilation₂ and CO reduction₂ in the substomatal chamber. By reducing the temperature, it is as if you unclog, clean the nozzles, and with this you can use that “fuel” that was stored in the tank, but could not be used”, explained Crusciol.

When the temperature of the leaf equals that of the air, it gives a signal that it is unable to cool the system and this reduces production. It is recommended that, at an average temperature between 30 and 35 degrees, the leaf is 1 degree below the air temperature.

The Challenge will also hold the South stage and, finally, the grand final that will choose the best work among the champions of the regional stages. The winners of the regional stages receive a travel voucher in recognition. The national champion will participate in the next edition of the Plant Microbiome Symposium, which will be held in Scotland.

DMB is the brainchild of the founders of Microgeo️, a 100% Brazilian company in the biological sector, it is a pioneer in the country and was inspired by the “Plant Microbiome Symposium”. “Aimed at research institutions and consultants in the agribusiness sector, the objective of the challenge is to encourage discussions about the importance of the soil microbiome in agriculture. Furthermore, the proposal is to share with farmers across the country the results obtained with the use of biological fertilizer produced through Microgeo, on participating properties in 4 regions of Brazil, for the practice of sustainability in agribusiness”, explained Paulo D´Andréa , Director of Research and Development at Microgeo.