Lotito, Daria (2025) Metabolomics for the study of “green” technological effects based on the application of biostimulants and/or biopesticides of microbial origin. [Tesi di dottorato]

Documento PDF Lotito_Daria_38.pdf Visibile a [TBR] Amministratori dell'archivio Download (3MB) | Richiedi una copia

Abstract

Sustainable agricultural systems are increasingly required to address global challenges related to food security, animal health, and environmental protection. This study investigated the potential of bioformulations based on beneficial microbes as sustainable alternatives to conventional agrochemi-cals, following the One Health concept. Beneficial microorganisms (BMs), mainly Trichoderma har-zianum and T. afroharzianum, the endophytic fungus Epicoccum nigrum and their secondary metabo-lites, were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting, biocontrol, and bioactive properties. Experi-ments were conducted on forage crops (gramineas and legumes), particularly oat (Avena sativa) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), through a combination of in vitro and field trials. Treatments were as-sessed for their effects on plant growth, chemical composition, and metabolomic responses. Untarget-ed metabolomics analyses (HPLC, LC–MS, GC–MS) enabled the identification of metabolic path-ways involved in plant–microbe interactions and stress adaptation. Furthermore, secondary metabo-lites from E. nigrum were characterized for their cytotoxicity (against tumoral cells), antifungal (against forage crops pathogens) and anti-methanogenic activities (sheep rumen fluid). The results demonstrated that microbial treatments enhanced plant resistance, modulated metabolite profiles, and changed nutritional quality. Overall, this research supports the integration of microbial-based strategies into sustainable farming systems to promote crop resilience, animal health, and environmental sustainability.

Downloads

Actions (login required)

Modifica documento