Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

On November 26, 2025, a scientific seminar was held at the Faculty of Ecology and Soil Science of Baku State University. Associate Professor Vafa Gasimova, Doctor of Biological Sciences and lecturer at the Department of Soil Science and Real Estate Cadastre, delivered a presentation on the topic: “Ecological aspects of the use of polyene antibiotics in plant protection.”

Increasing agricultural crop productivity and improving product quality remain among the most pressing issues of modern crop production not only in Azerbaijan but worldwide. These challenges can be addressed through the effective optimization of the phytosanitary condition of agroecosystems by applying environmentally safer plant protection products. In recent decades, strategies and tactics for phytosanitary optimization of agroecosystems have increasingly focused on the use of eco-friendly plant protection agents and innovative application technologies.

In her research, Vafa Gasimova utilized specific soil microorganisms, particularly Actinomycetes, to obtain biologically active compounds. Actinomycetes are capable of synthesizing antibiotic substances effective against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Using modern biotechnological methods, she obtained molecularly purified polyene antibiotics from microorganisms with high membrane activity and selective effects on the growth and development of pathogenic infections.

The resulting preparation was applied to vegetable crops under both open-field and greenhouse conditions. Compared to other medicinal preparations, polyene antibiotics demonstrated several valuable advantages in combating phytopathogenic microorganisms. They easily penetrate plant organs and tissues, making their effectiveness less dependent on unfavorable climatic conditions while ensuring antibacterial activity within plant tissues.

SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 15 (Life on Land)