Antioxidant molecule in plant disease control: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)

Abstract

This PIPE proposal aims to offer a sustainable and economically viable alternative to handle CVC and CC. Our proposition is to develop two compounds to be used in the field, both based on the antioxidant, anti-adhesive and antibacterial properties of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), a cysteine analogue that is broadly used in human health due to its low toxicity. This compound is effective in lowering the bacterial number in CVC-infected plants, reducing the symptoms and allowing the fruits to be used in juice production - even in advanced stages of infection. For CC, due to the disruptive effects on prokaryotic biofilm, we propose that NAC can be used in the field in a prophylactic way, and also blocking the disease progression. Therefore, we propose the development of two products to reach these goals: NACsolution (to be sprayed) and NACagri (a biofertilizer). Both are designed to be used in citriculture at first, but they have potential to be expanded to other economically important cultures. FAPESP has been supporting the study of NAC effects on CVC and CC-causing bacteria from the beginning, and this project is the last step of this cycle, so that we can accomplish the technology transfer, passing the product of all this knowledge to citrus growers. We intend to consolidate at the end of this project the complete conversion of the knowledge in innovation for the benefit of society, providing a more environmental friendly product compared to the current existing alternatives. (AU)