Study uses bacteria to promote plant growth.

The Epagri Experimental Station in Lages, in the Serra Catarinense region, is developing research that brings to light what the land hides, but which has shown promising results when it comes to producing quality products.

The project is led by agricultural engineer and researcher João Frederico Mangrich dos Passos and supervised by Albiery Rafaeli de Abreu, a technologist in Agribusiness Management from the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina (IFSC) and a master's student in Plant Production at the Center for Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences of the State University of Santa Catarina (CAV Udesc).

Bioprospecting is the search in the soil for bacteria that promote the natural growth of plants by supplying nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. A classic example is rhizobia, a microorganism that offers these benefits to soybeans, which in turn can grow without urea.

Beneficial bacteria are enhanced with homeopathic treatments.

The work is carried out in the Biotechnology and Homeopathy laboratories of the Lages Experimental Station, where the so-called "beneficial bacteria," native to the region's soil, are enhanced to promote plant growth. The goal is to produce the same positive effect in forage crops used in livestock farming, such as oats and ryegrass, as rhizobia do in soybeans. 

“In addition to nutrients, the bacteria help in the plants' defense metabolism and make them more resistant to diseases, such as leaf rust, which occurs in forage crops. Thus, when feeding, the cattle can take full advantage of the plant's potential,” says João Frederico.

With agrochemicals replaced by bacteria, the producer saves money and nature benefits, as it will be preserved. Furthermore, as a clean technology, these bacteria may have commercial potential as bio-inputs.

"Thus, Epagri promotes the well-being of society and delivers a line of research in which everyone wins, especially the end consumer, who will have healthy and quality products available," concludes the Epagri researcher in Lages.