Bioprospecção de microrganismos associado à plantas carnívoras: identificando potencial biológico para uso agrícola

Abstract

Agriculture plays a fundamental role in the Brazilian economy, contributing 24.4% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022. However, it is a sector that increasingly relies on pesticides, causing a series of negative impacts on both the environment and human health. According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), pesticides are chemicals designed to protect crops from pests, diseases, and weeds, indirectly creating favorable conditions for plant development. In light of this, the aim of the present study was to explore the biotechnological potential of microorganisms associated with the carnivorous plant Dionaea muscipula, focusing on the development of sustainable alternatives with antifungal action for the control of the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which causes white mold. Through a hypothetico-deductive methodology, extracts were made from four distinct parts of Dionaea muscipula (whole plant, leaves, roots, and Venus flytrap). These extracts underwent serial dilution processes and were inoculated into different culture media to characterize the plant's normal microbiota profile. Microbial analysis revealed the presence of promising species for controlling agricultural diseases, confirming the hypothesis that microorganisms isolated from the plant have inhibitory action. Among the results, the fungus M3 stood out, showing abundant sporulation and rapid growth, characteristics that highlight the potential of biological products as a sustainable and efficient alternative in managing plant diseases as a sustainable option.