Biotechnological prospection and phytochemical characterization of basidiomycete mushroom extracts for the sustainable control of phytonematodes in agricultural systems

This project focuses on the biotechnological prospection of basidiomycetes to develop low-cost bioproducts for phytonematode control. The research involves obtaining extracts from various mushroom species and spent mushroom substrate (SMS). The methodology includes high-throughput biological screening using the Panagrellus redivivus model for the rapid identification of candidates with nematicidal potential, followed by efficacy validation against Meloidogyne spp. in both in vitro and greenhouse assays. Simultaneously, the bioactive extracts will undergo phytochemical characterization through spectroscopic (NMR) and chromatographic (HPLC) techniques to identify the metabolites responsible for bioactivity. This study aims to establish sustainable agricultural management protocols by integrating mushroom waste upcycling and reducing the reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides.