Brazilian scientists discover Antarctic fungus with biopesticide potential

Brazilian and American scientists have discovered a fungus (Penicillium palitans) that produces bioactive substances with the potential to be used in developing natural biopesticides (bio-inputs). The discovery was made in deep marine sediments of the Southern Ocean in Antarctica.

The research was conducted by institutions such as UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais), Brazil's Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation), and the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). The researchers identified antifungal and phytotoxic substances that could become sustainable alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals.

The studied fungus, Penicillium palitans, was collected at depths of over 400 meters and subjected to laboratory analyses that revealed two main substances: penienone and palitantin. Penienone demonstrated strong antifungal and phytotoxic activity, completely inhibiting the germination of bentgrass seeds even at low concentrations. The compound was also effective against Colletotrichum fragariae, a pathogenic fungus that causes anthracnose in various crops. Palitantin, on the other hand, showed moderate phytotoxic effects.

According to researcher Débora Barreto from UFMG, Antarctica harbors a largely unexplored microbial biodiversity, with organisms adapted to extreme conditions (extremophiles) such as freezing temperatures and high salinity. These characteristics make the continent a promising location for the search for new compounds with biotechnological applications.

The study presents alternatives to synthetic pesticides, whose excessive use has led to increased pest resistance and negative environmental impacts. According to Luiz Rosa, a professor in the Department of Microbiology at UFMG and the research coordinator, extremophile fungi like P. palitans could become valuable sources of new molecules for sustainable agricultural formulations.

Researcher Sonia Queiroz from Embrapa notes that the discovery of new bioactive molecules of natural origin, in addition to reducing dependence on synthetic agrochemicals, can contribute to the One Health concept. However, transforming these substances into commercial products still requires additional testing to evaluate safety, stability, and efficacy under real field conditions.

Débora Barreto	Luiz Rosa	Sonia Queiroz

The scientists emphasize that turning these compounds into commercial products requires further testing to assess their safety, stability, and efficiency in the field. "Our next step will be to expand toxicological and ecotoxicological studies and explore the feasibility of large-scale production, with potential collaboration between research institutions and companies in the agricultural sector," explains Rosa.

With the growing demand for sustainable solutions, the bioprospecting of extremophile organisms could pave the way for new advances in biotechnology applied to global agriculture. The results of this study open new perspectives for the search for other Antarctic fungi for potential agricultural use and the identification of other bioactive substances. The scientists also highlight the importance of conserving these ecosystems for the advancement of biotechnology.

The study is part of the Brazilian Antarctic Program (Proantar) and is funded by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), with logistical support from the Secretariat of the Interministerial Commission for Sea Resources (Secirm) of the Brazilian Navy.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)