Trans-Lipo: Natural Allies Against Fungi

Unlike antibiotics produced by fungi to combat bacteria, lipopeptides (LPs) and glycolipids (GLs) are molecules produced by bacteria to fight fungi. These biomolecules possess remarkable antifungal properties and enhance plants' natural defenses. Offering an ecological and promising alternative to traditional phytosanitary products, these solutions come at a time when farmers face growing challenges due to climate change and evolving environmental regulations.

In this context, the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, through its RIBP research unit – USC INRAE 1488, is leading the Trans-Lipo project, an ambitious initiative exploring the potential of these natural molecules to provide sustainable solutions for the agriculture of tomorrow.

Research at the Heart of Innovation: The Trans-Lipo Project

The Trans-Lipo program originated within the Biocontrol 4.0 portfolio, a €14 million initiative grouping projects aimed at rethinking biocontrol products. The goal is clear: develop innovative solutions to combat plant diseases and pests. This portfolio covers every stage of the process, from designing biocontrol products and digital tools to training users.

The Biocontrol 4.0 program focuses on several strategic areas:

• Innovative Biofungicides: Developing new solutions to fight pathogenic fungi (Trans-Lipo and Trans-Pathoflax 2.0).
• Anti-pest Products: Creating biocontrols targeting harmful insects (Trans-Pest).
• Digital Tools: Deploying sensors, robots, and decision-support tools (Trans-e-Bio).
• Demonstrations and Training: Evaluating solutions in real conditions (greenhouses, fields) and training developers, producers, sellers, and users (Trans-Control and Trans-Training).

Natural Shields Against Fungal Diseases

Produced by bacteria, lipopeptides (LPs) and glycolipids (GLs) have proven to be formidable allies against major fungal diseases like wheat septoria, apple scab, and potato or leek mildew. Their antifungal action directly targets pathogenic fungi while stimulating the plants' natural defenses. By focusing on these molecules, the Trans-Lipo project, based in the cross-border France-Wallonia-Flanders region, is at the heart of agroecological transition and offers a forward-looking solution for more sustainable agriculture.

An Ambitious and Structuring Program

To bring this vision to life, the Trans-Lipo project is based on several strategic objectives:

• Produce and optimize LPs and GLs: The primary goal is to perfect the production and formulation techniques for these biomolecules to ensure their effectiveness and persistence in the environment.
• Test their antifungal and plant-stimulating powers: Researchers are evaluating the impact of LPs and GLs on plants' natural defenses, aiming to strengthen their resistance to diseases.
• Ensure environmental safety: Protecting ecosystems is crucial! The project ensures these molecules are compatible with biodiversity and harmless to non-target organisms.
• Validate their effectiveness in the field: Large-scale trials are conducted on experimental plots to test the real-world performance of LPs and GLs, with the ambition of adopting them at a larger scale.

A Key Lever for Agroecological Transition

In summary, the Trans-Lipo project, led by the RIBP – USC INRAE 1488 unit, is part of a dynamic transformation of agriculture. By leveraging the strengths of nature, it contributes to the emergence of greener, more resilient, and more efficient agriculture. This innovative approach, supported by the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, illustrates the alliance between scientific research, innovation, and environmental protection.

With Trans-Lipo, nature takes back its role as a key player in crop protection and enhancing agricultural sustainability.