Fungi in Focus: Bioproducts for Climate-Resilient Crops

This work aims to develop a strategy to increase the production and resilience of maize against climate change, using native beneficial fungi, promoting a sustainable agricultural system that can be expanded to other crops in Colombia and Argentina.

Context of the story

Maize, a crop highly sensitive to environmental variations, faces significant challenges in Argentina and Colombia due to climate change. The increase in temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns have intensified droughts, shifted planting and harvesting cycles, and encouraged the spread of pests and diseases that reduce yields. Additionally, traditional agricultural techniques continue to degrade the quality and fertility of the soil, compromising the absorption of essential nutrients for optimal plant development. This situation has forced farmers to increase the use of agricultural inputs, many of which are imported, significantly raising the costs of phytosanitary management.

Native fungal biodiversity in promoting positive effects on maize agroecosystems

The implemented initiative

This study aims to evaluate the contribution of beneficial fungi native to Argentina, Colombia, and New Zealand, selected for their biopesticide and biofertilizer properties, in mitigating the effects of climate change on maize crops. The potential of entomopathogenic and antagonistic fungi, as well as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, will be validated for promoting plant growth, reducing the use of agrochemicals, stabilizing carbon in the soil, and improving plant drought tolerance. Partnerships with producers will be established to ensure the transfer of knowledge. This project is funded by Fontagro and carried out by research centers in Colombia, Argentina, and New Zealand.

Bioinputs in sustainable agriculture with a focus on climate resilience

The technological solution

This project targets the maize production sector, highlighting its crucial role in global food security as demand grows and the need for climate change adaptation increases. The technological proposal focuses on the use of bioinputs, leveraging the potential of native microorganisms as biofertilizers, biocontrol agents, and biostimulants to enhance crop sustainability. Implementing these species promotes habitat colonization, optimizes soil structure and nutrient flow, and improves resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
The approach aims not only to increase maize cultivation efficiency but also to expand the applicability of bioproducts to other agricultural sectors. Additionally, strategies for knowledge management and transfer will be developed, working closely with producers and academic and government entities in the involved countries to ensure the adoption and positive impact of these technologies in agriculture.

If no actions are taken to mitigate the effects of climate change, it is estimated that by 2030 there will be a significant reduction in the areas suitable for maize production, as well as a decrease in crop productivity by up to 30%.

Gómez et al., 2019. Maíz para Colombia. Visión 2030

Participating countries

Type of project

Results

The project will create a database of beneficial fungi such as Beauveria, Metarhizium, and Trichoderma, assessed for their insecticidal and antagonistic efficacy against pests and pathogens. Results will be disseminated through technical notes and field experiments, supplemented with workshops and educational materials for the agricultural community in Argentina and Colombia. An economic analysis will also be conducted on the reduction of fertilizer and pesticide usage following the adoption of these sustainable alternatives.
Regarding the quantifiable impacts of the project, an increase in crop productivity by 5%, a 50% reduction in the use of agrochemicals, a 10% improvement in soil carbon stabilization, and enhanced drought tolerance in maize are anticipated. These benefits underscore the importance and potential of implementing sustainable solutions in modern agriculture.