FUNGI-PEP - Desenvolvimento de péptidos com ação membranar para o controle de infeções fúngicas como fator impulsionador da agricultura sustentável

The FUNGI-PEP project aims to develop and validate a natural and innovative biofungicide based on peptides of plant origin with membrane action, called PSI (Plant Specific Insert), as a sustainable alternative to conventional fungicides. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of these peptides in the control of the main agents responsible for fungal diseases in the vineyard, namely Plasmopara viticola (downy mildew), Erysiphe necator (powdery mildew) and Botrytis cinerea, as well as their effects on the physiology and biochemistry of the vine and its environmental safety in non-target organisms. The integration of these results will allow the development and validation of a biofungicide prototype and the definition of effective and safe application protocols, contributing to reduce the use of synthetic and copper-based fungicides and promote a more sustainable, resilient and competitive viticulture.