Research explores plant growth-promoting fungi for sustainable agriculture

Research conducted at the Instituto Federal Goiano examines the importance of plant growth-promoting fungi (FPCV) as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. These fungi can mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses through mechanisms such as phytohormone production, nutrient solubilization, and resistance induction.

A bibliometric analysis of the Scopus database indicates that the genera Trichoderma and Penicillium have the highest scientific production, with significant research coming from China, India, and Brazil.

Data from the MAPA Bioinsumos application shows that while research is expanding, commercial availability remains limited for certain crops. For instance, no microbiological growth-promoting products were found for beans, tomatoes, or rice. In contrast, 434 products were registered for soybeans, nine of which are fungi-based, and 87 products for corn, 14 of which contain fungi.