Resumo O presente trabalho apresenta um panorama da realidade do estado do Amazonas com relação ao desenvolvimento de uma bioecomonia fortemente ligada com as potencialidades dos recursos naturais. Essa discussão se encaixa nas buscas por alternativas para economia do estado, muito centralizada pelo Polo Industrial de Manaus (PIM), que se torna ano a ano cada vez mais ameaçado. Dessa forma, o artigo apresenta uma relação entre as ofertas das potencialidades locais com as demandas tecnológicas e de mercado. Discute também os impactos econômicos e tecnológicos de inovação em biodiversidade e capacitação dos recursos humanos, que são necessários para alavancar o desenvolvimento de uma ciência aplicada na conversão de produtos da natureza em produtos comerciais.

Sclerotium rot, caused by Agroathelia rolfsii, is one of the main soilborne diseases that limit plant growth and tomato yield. This study evaluated the efficacy of Amazonian Trichoderma species to control sclerotium rot, and promote plant growth under field conditions, in Manaus, Brazil. We used six species (isolates) of Trichoderma based on their previously assessed performance in field trials. The incidence of sclerotium rot, tomato fruit yield and the production of indoleacetic acid (IAA) and siderophores were evaluated. The isolates reduced the incidence of sclerotium rot by up to 75% and also increased fruit yield. T. rugulosum had the best performance, as it greatly reduced sclerotium rot incidence and improved fruit yield. Although no differences were found in biomass allocation to plant organs, T. endophyticum, T. agriamazonicum, and T. asperelloides showed high production of IAA. The results highlight the potential of Amazonian Trichoderma isolates as bio fungicides to be used in sustainable cultivation of tomato. Furthermore, we show the potential of Amazonian species of Trichoderma to both reduce the incidence of sclerotium rot, and to increase the production of bioactive compounds that stimulate plant growth. By reducing the use of synthetic agrochemicals, the use of Trichoderma promotes healthier and more sustainable agricultural practices.

The use of knowledge of nature based on science and technology should be the way to economically and socially just inclusion in a new model of development of the region, generated from local conceptions but integrated with the new demands of current and future societies of the planet. Therefore, it is necessary to improve a new economy based on innovation and the sustainable use of biodiversity to generate wealth for the Amazon region and avoid activities such as cattle ranching, soy and illegal logging. The Amazon is facing a major challenge between continuing to grow at relatively low rates with a high cost to the environment and a deep social depression, or changing this pattern of development and pursuing environmentally sustained and inclusive economic growth to ensure the supply of environmental goods and services on which the well-being of the planet depends.

Chives (Allium fistulosum L.) are a globally consumed culinary condiment susceptible to diseases that cause yield losses. Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum spaethianum, significantly affects chive production. This study evaluated essential oils (EOs) for controlling anthracnose by examining mycelial growth inhibition, conidial germination, field disease severity, and activity of β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase, and peroxidase in chive leaves. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with Scott–Knott test (5%). EOs of Lippia sidoides, L. gracilis, and Ocimum gratissimum completely inhibited mycelial growth, sporulation, and conidial germination at 0.2%. Under field conditions, L. gracilis and Piper aduncum were the most effective treatments, showing the lowest severity scores. Mentha piperita and Curcuma longa also reduced disease severity, albeit with intermediate efficacy. Additionally, EOs activated plant defense responses, particularly by inducing β-1,3-glucanase activity. The integrated approach combining in vitro, field, and biochemical analyses provides strong evidence supporting EOs as sustainable alternatives for anthracnose management. These findings are especially relevant for family farming in the Amazon, where no fungicides are registered for chives, highlighting the potential of essential oils as low-cost, viable alternatives for disease control.

Sclerotium rot, caused by Agroathelia rolfsii, is one of the main soil-borne diseases that limit tomato production. This study evaluates the efficacy of Amazonian Trichoderma species in controlling Sclerotium rot and stimulating plant development under field conditions in Manaus, Brazil. We used six Trichoderma isolates based on their previously evaluated performance under greenhouse conditions. The incidence of Sclerotium rot, tomato fruit production, and functional attributes of the isolates were evaluated. The isolates reduced the incidence of Sclerotium rot by up to 75 percentage points and also increased fruit production. T. rugulosum showed the best performance as it significantly reduced the incidence of Sclerotium rot and improved fruit yield. Although no differences were found in biomass allocation to plant organs, T. endophyticum, T. agriamazonicum, and T. asperelloides showed production of indolic compounds in vitro. The results highlight the potential of Amazonian Trichoderma isolates as biofungicides for use in sustainable tomato cultivation. In addition, we demonstrated the potential of Amazonian Trichoderma species both to reduce the incidence of Sclerotium rot and to increase fruit production. By reducing the use of synthetic agrochemicals, the use of Trichoderma promotes healthier and more sustainable agricultural practices.