Agricultural crops are permanently exposed to infections caused by dangerous phytopathogenic agents, which can seriously damage plants and even cause losses of vegetable crops.
One of the most harmful phytopathogenic bacteria for agriculture is the species Pseudomonas syringae, which affects kiwifruit, cherry, plum, tomato and bean plantations, among others. As a result of this infection, there are considerable losses in production and harvests, implying millions of dollars in economic losses for the industry.
Faced with this problem, the University of Santiago de Chile (Usach) has been studying and advancing in new solutions to prevent and control the infections caused by this phytopathogen in agriculture.
A research team from our campus developed new bacteriophages, as well as a bactericidal composition that includes them and a method for the biological control of diseases produced by strains of the Pseudomonas syringae species.
This important innovation was led by Dr. Antonio Castillo, academic and researcher of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, together with a multidisciplinary team integrated by Dr. Luis Cottet, Dr. Carla Trigo and biochemists Javiera de los Ángeles Cayunao; Esteban Arenillas; Carol Castillo; Jacqueline Contreras and Camila Santos.
“The use of lytic bacteriophages has proven to be one of the most promising and effective strategies to combat this phytopathogen,” says Dr. Castillo. “Unlike traditional chemicals, such as antibiotics and copper-derived compounds, which can generate resistance in bacteria, this technology offers a natural, environmentally friendly alternative that is highly effective.”
The researcher explains that, in addition to being a sustainable option, this development is aligned with the global trend of gradually reducing the use of chemicals in the agricultural sector.
“The prolonged use of antibiotics such as streptomycin and copper compounds has led to the emergence of resistant bacteria, which decreases the effectiveness of conventional treatments. With our bacteriophage-based technology, we deliver a natural solution that protects crops without generating such resistance,” he says.
This innovative product is applied directly to the leaves, branches, bark and fruit of the plants, inhibiting the growth and propagation of the bacteria. Its main advantages include its harmlessness for the environment and people, as well as its effectiveness in protecting plant species, which helps to avoid losses in the production, harvesting and storage stages.
Currently, this Usach technology has a patent application for invention in Chile, whose processing was supported by the Office of Technology Management (DGT) of the Vice Rector's Office for Research, Innovation and Creation (Vriic).
Learn more about the various inventions developed at our University, accessing the website of the Office of Technology Management.