DEVELOPMENT OF MICROBIAL BIOPESTICIES, BIOFERTILIZERS AND BIOESTIMULANTS
ISOLATION AND IN VITRO TESTING
This step consists of the extraction of microbiota from samples, build-up of a collection (library) of strains, and testing in vitro for biological activity (antimicrobial, enzymatic). A high throughput screening methodology based on molecular marker assisted selection, has been developed for screening large amounts of isolates.
EFFICACY ASSAYS IN PLANT MATERIAL IN PHYTOTRON CONDITIONS
Once selected lead strains, activity (e.g. pathogen infection inhibition, growth promotion) is assessed in plant material by means of ex vivo assays (fruits, leaves, tubers or flowers) or in whole plantlets controlled laboratory conditions (phytotron). For biocontrol of infections, several pathogens are available or on demand, including bacterial and fungal, and aerial or root or fruit pathogens.
EFFICACY ASSAYS IN PLANTS UNDER CONTROLLED GREENHOUSE ENVIRONMENT
This is the last step in the screening process and consists of efficacy assays in whole plants under controlled greenhouse conditions. The assays allocate a limited number of active ingredients or strains, that are applied to plants by spraying or irrigation. For disease control the pathogen is inoculated before, simultaneously or after the treatment. Plants are cultivated under fully controlled day-night temperature, relative humidity and light periods.