Brazil allows GM microorganisms to be used in crop protection production

Brazil’s National Technical Commission on Biosafety (CTNBio) has authorized Bioma to use genetically modified microorganisms on an industrial scale in the production of crop protection products. The technology involves using GM strains in closed production systems to synthesize substances that can be applied in biological crop protection.

The approach does not involve releasing live genetically modified microorganisms directly into fields. Instead, they will be used in industrial bioreactors to produce metabolites, enzymes, peptides, phytohormones and other compounds, after which the microorganisms will be inactivated or removed from the final product.

Modified strains of Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli may be used in production. Genetic modification can increase microorganism productivity and allow target compounds to be produced at higher concentrations than with naturally occurring strains.

Developers expect the technology to support the creation of more stable biological crop protection products for soybeans, corn, sugarcane and other crops. Some products may also be designed to improve plant tolerance to drought and other stress conditions, in addition to controlling pests and diseases.

Brazil is one of the world’s largest markets for biological agricultural inputs, and the new CTNBio authorization could accelerate the development of industrial biotechnology in agriculture. For manufacturers, it creates an opportunity to combine the advantages of biological products with more controlled and scalable production of active compounds.

Tags: GM, Brazil