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FAPESP and the Sustainable Development Goals

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SDG 2 Zero Hunger

News

SDG 2 Zero Hunger

Researchers discover bacteria capable of killing fungus that causes yield-reducing disease in sugarcane
SDG 2
Researchers discover bacteria capable of killing fungus that causes yield-reducing disease in sugarcane

Known as pineapple sett rot, the disease reduces cane budding by up to 50%. Results obtained by scientists in Brazil will bolster the search for biological fungicides that offer an alternative to agrochemicals.


Scientists use biodegradable material to encapsulate fertilizers
SDG 2
Scientists use biodegradable material to encapsulate fertilizers

The strategy was tested at the Federal University of São Carlos and found to permit a reduction in the amount of fertilizer used by farmers, mitigating its environmental impact.


Brazil’s biodiversity law needs to be adapted to the Nagoya Protocol
SDG 2, SDG 10, SDG 12, SDG 13, SDG 17
Brazil’s biodiversity law needs to be adapted to the Nagoya Protocol

The law disciplines Brazil’s actions as a provider but not as a user of genetic resources from other countries, researcher Bráulio Dias noted during an online seminar held by FAPESP.


Technique based on artificial intelligence permits automation of crop seed analysis
SDG 2
Technique based on artificial intelligence permits automation of crop seed analysis

Developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo, the non-invasive methodology facilitates identification of immature or poor-quality seeds without destroying them or creating residues.


Application of potassium to forage grass used as cover crop guarantees higher-quality cotton
SDG 2
Application of potassium to forage grass used as cover crop guarantees higher-quality cotton

In an article published in Scientific Reports, Brazilian researchers show that besides simplifying operational logistics and improving production, fertilization of the grass used as a cover crop can reduce fertilizer use in the long run.


Smart traps monitor caterpillar infestation of crops
SDG 2
Smart traps monitor caterpillar infestation of crops

Startup supported by FAPESP has developed equipment for biological control of pests that affect soybean and cotton production.


Drought favors plant-pathogenic fungi in pasturelands and release of carbon dioxide from the soil
SDG 2, SDG 13
Drought favors plant-pathogenic fungi in pasturelands and release of carbon dioxide from the soil

Researchers at the University of São Paulo conducted field experiments to estimate the impact of drought and rising temperatures on soil quality and plant health.


Large rural properties account for 54% of the environmental deficit in the state of São Paulo
SDG 2, SDG 13
Large rural properties account for 54% of the environmental deficit in the state of São Paulo

The estimate comes from a research project supported by FAPESP to produce scientific input for implementation of Brazil’s new forest code in the state.


Researchers create ingredients to produce food by 3D printing
SDG 2, SDG 3
Researchers create ingredients to produce food by 3D printing

Food engineers in Brazil and France developed gels based on modified starch for use as “ink” to make foods and novel materials by additive manufacturing.


An inventory providing information on more than 200 viruses that infect plants in Brazil
SDG 2
An inventory providing information on more than 200 viruses that infect plants in Brazil

The largest database of plant viruses in Brazil serves as a tool for researchers, growers and policymakers.


Protein involved in corn’s water stress response discovered
SDG 2, SDG 13
Protein involved in corn’s water stress response discovered

The protein, which is involved in the mechanism of the plant’s response to water and thermal stresses and to invasion by fungi, has been named DRIK1. It could help develop drought-resistant plant varieties and products that reduce losses related to climate change.


FAPESP and São Martinho set a center aimed at developing biological control technology for sugarcane
SDG 2, SDG 12
FAPESP and São Martinho set a center aimed at developing biological control technology for sugarcane

The new Engineering Research Center will be hosted by São Paulo State University’s School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences in Jaboticabal. Its scientists will also research biotechnology and plant resistance.


Biotechnology could make agriculture climate-resilient
SDG 2
Biotechnology could make agriculture climate-resilient

Studies of food crops such as corn, sugarcane, rice, wheat, soybeans and cocoa, as well as rubber trees, were presented at an event organized by FAPESP and the Japanese agency JST to foster collaboration between researchers from São Paulo State and Japan.


Most complete commercial sugarcane genome sequence has been assembled
SDG 2, SDG 7
Most complete commercial sugarcane genome sequence has been assembled

With FAPESP’s support, researchers have succeeded in mapping 99.1% of the plant’s genes, providing knowledge that will help improve its resistance to disease and increase its biomass yield for fuel or sugar production.


Scientists combine nanotechnology and natural products to fight agricultural pests
SDG 2, SDG 9
Scientists combine nanotechnology and natural products to fight agricultural pests

In a search for more sustainable alternatives for agriculture, researchers at UNESP are developing systems to encapsulate synthetic pesticides as well as compounds of botanical, fungal, and bacterial origin; results were presented at FAPESP Week France.


Agroecology is emerging as a new market for peasant farming
SDG 2
Agroecology is emerging as a new market for peasant farming

Brazilian researcher reports during his lecture at FAPESP Week France that socioterritorial movements are creating alternatives to agribusiness based on sustainable development and healthy food.


New tool facilitates genetic mapping of polyploid plants
SDG 2, SDG 9
New tool facilitates genetic mapping of polyploid plants

Available online for free, polyploid mapping system developed in Brazil helps breeders of sugarcane, kiwi, blueberry, sweet potato and forages, among other crops.


Study measures impact of agriculture on diet of wild mammals
SDG 2, SDG 15
Study measures impact of agriculture on diet of wild mammals

In an article published in PNAS, Brazilian researchers stress the need for agricultural management that favors the maintenance of wildlife.


News about research projects funded by FAPESP and articulated with the SDGs: