The use of biopesticides based on biological control agents (BCAs) of microbial origin (fungi and bacteria) antagonists of crop diseases, are an excellent and sustainable alternative to reduce global dependence on conventional phytosanitary products (chemicals), which can be dangerous for the environment and human health. In different trials carried out by researchers from the R&D Department of Futureco Bioscience in climatic chamber and greenhouse, the efficacy of the B2017 strain of Pseudomonas putida as BCA against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici in tomato, Rhizoctonia solani and Pectobacterium atrosepticum in potato and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in lettuce.
Prior to the marketing authorization of any product based on a microbial BCA, it is necessary to evaluate the risk of the specific bacterial strain of the product regarding the production of antibiotics and other relevant metabolites that could cause toxic effects in non-target organisms and the environment.
Using functional, chromatography-mass spectrometry and genomic approaches, researchers at Futureco Bioscience have shown that P. putida strain B2017 is not able to produce antibiotics or toxic metabolites with side effects [link to the article in FEMS] in non-targeted organisms.
These features make P. putida B2017 a promising biocontrol microorganism for plant protection without negative side effects on environment, organisms beneficial to the ecosystem, and human health.