Plant production | Agrochemicals
Strains of nitrogen-fixing growth-promoting bacteria to produce sugarcane inoculant
Context
Sugarcane is one of the most prominent crops in Brazil, both due to the extent of the area it occupies and to the high consumption of fertilizers, which entails a high fertilization cost and volume, especially the nitrogen one, in addition to dependence on inputs based on polluting energy sources and high greenhouse gas emissions, especially nitrous oxide. Just like with soybeans and their current average yield levels, where inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria can meet the crop's nitrogen requirement, sugarcane can also benefit from this technology. The formulation of an inoculant for sugarcane based on the industrial production of selected diazotrophic bacteria aims at plant growth and reducing the use of nitrogen fertilizers in the crop.
About the asset
This asset consists of a group of five diazotrophic bacteria with great potential for use in production of inoculants for sugarcane. The suggested strains are Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (BR 11281), Herbaspirillum seropedicae (BR 11335), Herbaspirillum rubrisubalbicans (BR 11504), Nitrospirillum amazonense (BR 11145) and Paraburkholderia tropica (BR 11366), which can be used alone or in combination. These bacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, stimulating growth-promoting hormones, solubilizing phosphate and improving absorption of other nutrients available in the soil.This asset consists in a group of five diazotrophic bacteria that have large potential for use in the production of inoculants for sugarcane. The indicated strains are Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (BR 11281), Herbaspirillum seropedicae (BR 11335), Herbaspirillum rubrisubalbicans (BR 11504), Nitrospirillum amazonense (BR 11145) and Paraburkholderia tropica (BR 11366), which can be used either in isolation or combined. These bacteria are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, stimulate the production of growth-promoting hormones, solubilize phosphate and improve the absorption of other nutrients available in the soil.
The inoculant produced from these bacteria is able to fully or partially meet the nutritional needs of the crop with regard to nitrogen, resulting in reduced production costs in sugarcane plantations. This eliminates the need to apply approximately 30 kilos of nitrogen per hectare a year without losing productivity and generating savings of about 50,000 tons of nitrogen fertilizers per year, with great benefits for the environment. In addition, by improving the formation and growth of the sugarcane root system and optimizing nutrient absorption at greater depths and in less fertile soils, the inoculant produced from this bacterial group can increase the plant's ability to tolerate environmental stresses and thus increase tolerance to pathogens.
The inoculant produced from these bacteria is able to fully or partially meet the nutritional needs of the crop with regard to nitrogen, resulting in reduced production costs in sugarcane plantations. This eliminates the need to apply approximately 30 kilos of nitrogen per hectare a year without losing productivity and generating savings of about 50,000 tons of nitrogen fertilizers per year, with great benefits for the environment. In addition, by improving the formation and growth of the sugarcane root system and optimizing nutrient absorption at greater depths and in less fertile soils, the inoculant produced from this bacterial group can increase the plant's ability to tolerate environmental stresses and thus increase tolerance to pathogens.
Technology readiness level on TRL/MRL scale: 7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Theoretical models
Lab assays
Pilot scale
Final/full scale
Proof of concept
Prototypes
Market
Characteristics in comparison with competitors available in the market
The formulation of this asset recommends the use of a set of bacteria, and not just a single type, as observed in other existing products. This hinders on-farm formulas, and adds the benefits of the joint action of a pool of bacteria in sugarcane's physiological development and biological control. In addition, there is a latent need for the production chain to reduce costs with the acquisition of inputs, which can be minimized with the use of the asset. Finally, there is Embrapa's high know-how on the subject.
Impacts for the production sector and for society
It is a product specially designed for sugarcane cultivation and its logistic difficulties. Thus, on top of the BNF action, it has a high plant growth promoting effect, both in shoots and roots, which provides higher capacity for nutrient absorption and increases resistance to environmental stresses, thus improving production. In addition, the product meets social and market demand for more sustainable biological products, since the asset can eliminate the need to apply approximately 30 kilos of nitrogen per hectare a year without losing productivity and generating savings of about 50,000 tons of nitrogen fertilizers per year, with great benefits for the environment and cost reduction for farmers.
Partnership goals
- Codevelopment (proof of concept to prototype)
What is expected from the partnership?
Codevelopment of inoculants and plant growth promoters for sugarcane, based on the use of isolated or combined strains. The market and commercial validation steps should be included in the co-development, aiming at the launch of a commercial product.
How will the technology be offered to the production sector?
The product will be offered as an inoculant for application in sugarcane plantations and the intention is to bring it to the attention of the industry and possible partners through technical events and business rounds.
I am interested in this asset
If you are interested in this asset for a partnership with Embrapa, contact us:
Responsible Unit:
Image gallery
-
Search assets for partnerships
Search using keywords below or browse through the portfolios.
Or access the full list with all the results