BelSU scientists develop gypsum-based plant protection solution to banish mould

A team of scientists led by the director of the BelSU Regional Microbiological Centre Inna Solyannikova and Tatyana Nikulicheva created new antifungal composition. Its researchers and developers were the scientists from this centre as well as providers of the state assignment for creation of new laboratories in 2021, including ones under the guidance of young upwardly mobile professionals of the Science and Universities National Project. This research also benefited from the contribution of early career researchers – students of the BelSU Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, supervised by the RMC’s research engineer Nikita Lyakhovchenko.

The scientists used calcium sulphate powder (gypsum) and a strain of Bacillus subtilis bacteria to obtain a product that will protect plants from mould. As explained by the scientists, naturally derived fungicides for plants that form the base of the patented composition are functional in agriculture and plant growing, especially in organic farming.

According to Doctor of Biological Sciences Inna Solyanikova, the Bacillus subtilis culture is a frequent ingredient of antifungal preparations. The developers note that the patented composition suppresses the growth of the Alternaria brassicicola VKM F-1864 mould fungus by 76.7%.

BelSU scientists proved that the calcium sulphate powder added to the composition not only increases its antifungal activity compared to a pure culture (15.7% more effective), but also allows to expand the range of recycling possibilities of large amounts of citrogypsum – a citric acid production by-product.

‘The strain that we used in the composition was isolated during research work by our students from poultry waste. This bacterium is also capable of synthesizing a number of promising enzymes: proteolytic, lipolytic and amylolytic, which allows us to consider the possibility of using it, among other things, as a producer of these enzymes. We have more detailed studies to perform and we anticipate even more of possible applications of gypsum and microorganisms. This is important because new lemon production plants are planned to be opened in Russia, and the experience of the Belgorod Region can be employed for the benefit of the entire country,’ noted Inna Solyannikova.

The researchers studied the composition’s antifungal activity using the colonies of the Alternaria brassicicola VKM F-1864. This mould fungus causes black spot disease – a common and potentially serious condition affecting many types of economically important crops of the Brassica genus: cabbage, Napa cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, oilseeds and rapeseed. Affecting mostly the plants, the fungus also tends to contribute to allergies in humans that consequently develop systemic reactions as asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis.

According to the BelSU scientists, a way to improve the environment and reduce the amounts waste pollutants is not the only benefit of combining gypsum with microorganisms. Apart from that, it will help develop necessary forms of antifungal solutions to diffuse from unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As the market of agricultural field treatment continues to develop in Russia, the demand for effective crop protection products is expected to grow.