Project Details
Abstract
Plant disease and pestilence are two significant threats to food security and efficient agricultural production. While tight border controls can limit the introduction of new pests, control measures are required for native insects and microbial plant pathogens. Continuing efforts are required to develop effective pesticides due to gradual resistance of pests while there is also a push towards safer pest and plant pathogen control strategies based on concerns over health effects of traditional chemical pesticides. In this study we explore the development of one pesticide and one biofertilizer/biocontrol agent both developed from one of Qatar’s key industries – gas to liquids fuel synthesis. The project aims to use the light waxy raffinate (LWR) cut from Fischer-Tropsch fuel synthesis consisting of C15-C27 alkanes as a pesticide and leaf surface modifier. The LWR has already been demonstrated as non-toxic, noting that the leaf waxes of plants also consist of alkanes and that the toxicity in liquid fuels arises from the presence of cyclic hydrocarbons, which are minimal in the LWR. The project also aims to utilize purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) cultured from the byproduct Fischer-Tropsch process water as a biofertilizer and biocontrol agent against microbial pathogens. These organisms are reported to produce a number of plant growth-promoting compounds such as 5-aminolevulinic acid and indole-3-acetic acid, anti-oxidants such as carotenoids as well as fix-nitrogen and solubilize phosphorus, aiding in plant growth and stress resistance. Moreover, the byproduct process water has previously been demonstrated as an effective substrate for growth of PNSB. The project aims to assess these two plant protection/growth promotion products both individually and as a combined spray product, assessing foliar application for both as well as root application of PNSB. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of LWR and the combined product against insect pests and the PNSB and combined product against microbial pathogens focusing on Qatar’s two largest produced vegetables – tomato and cucumber. The study will characterize the products and use a series of in-vitro and in-vivo tests to evaluate their performance, including a field-trial in the final year. This project will develop new pest/pathogen and growth promoting products from one of Qatar’s key niche industries, allowing a unique product in the market and improved local agriculture without the use of harmful pesticide products
Submitting Institute Name
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
Sponsor's Award Number | MME03-1129-210034 |
---|---|
Proposal ID | EX-QNRF-MME-8 |
Status | Active |
Effective start/end date | 1/01/23 → 1/01/26 |
Collaborative partners
- Hamad Bin Khalifa University (lead)
- Qatar University
- Qatar Shell Research & Technology Center QSTP LLC
Primary Theme
- Sustainability
Primary Subtheme
- SU - Sustainable Energy
Secondary Theme
- Sustainability
Secondary Subtheme
- SU - Sustainable / Circular Economy
Keywords
- Biofertilizers
- Pest management
- Agriculture
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