Recent insights into plant and microorganism communication have driven the Brazilian startup Ideelab to innovate in disease control for citrus plants. Supported by FAPESP's PIPE program, Ideelab will be showcased by the Foundation at the University of São Paulo's stand during the VivaTech fair in Paris. The event, occurring from June 11th to 14th, emphasizes technology across various perspectives, with last year's attendance reaching 165,000.
Ronaldo José Durigan Dalio, founder of Ideelab, states, "We're really looking forward to participating in the fair, not just because of what we'll learn, but because of the relationships and interactions we'll have with other companies."
Ideelab's approach centers on how plants interact with microorganisms through molecules called effectors. Dalio explains, "This communication determines whether the interaction will benefit the plant or result in disease." The focus is on understanding how beneficial microorganisms improve productivity and disease resistance in citrus plants.
The initial research involved Phytophthora parasitica, which causes gummosis in citrus plants. Findings indicate that susceptible plants are compromised by pathogen "molecular weapons," while resistant plants engage a secondary defense mechanism. This groundwork has spurred strategies to combat other citrus diseases like greening and those caused by various bacteria.
Founded by Dalio after his academic ventures in Germany, Ideelab now employs 37 people, including 12 doctors, to innovate bio-inputs for Brazilian agriculture. Ideelab focuses on six product categories, ranging from single-organism solutions to genomic editing and interference RNA techniques.
Dalio articulates that Ideelab's technology uniquely targets pathogens lodged in plant vessels, where conventional chemicals fall short. With a Piracicaba innovation center and an upcoming facility in Paraná, Ideelab is refining product prototypes, tackling issues like peptide stability and application intervals.
These technologies offer sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides, emphasizing lower carbon footprints. While citrus remains a priority due to its economic impact in Brazil, Ideelab's concepts apply broadly to various crops.
Expanding internationally, Ideelab has engaged a business representative in Boston and will present at VivaTech. Dalio remarks on Brazil's leadership in agricultural biotechnology and the importance of exchanges at innovative summits like VivaTech.
Source: Agência FAPESP
