AvanzaBio has participated in a collaborative research project with the NUMAPS group from the Department of Plant Biology and Ecology at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Insekt Label to assess the potential of Tenebrio Molitor waste as a source of plant growth promoters, this being the first phase of the project.

In this first phase of the study, a total of 62 microbial strains were isolated and sequenced, which were classified into 48 bacterial strains, 10 filamentous fungi, and 4 yeasts. This process allowed the identification of the microbial diversity present in the soil and laid the foundation for the selection of candidates with biostimulant potential.

Of this group, 24 strains were found to possess four or more capabilities associated with promoting plant growth. These capabilities include, but are not limited to, nitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization, phytohormone production, and antipathogenic activity.

After a more detailed analysis, eight strains —four bacteria and four fungi— were selected that stood out for exhibiting five or more PGP capabilities. These strains were identified as excellent candidates for the development of biostimulant formulations due to their potential to improve plant health and growth.

Now, we will continue with the second phase of the project, which focuses on finding an in vivo response through the inoculation phase in different plant systems.