Agrotechnology

Implementing Microbiological Resources for Producing Biopesticides and Biofertilizers

Paul Barnes^* Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, United States of America
^*Correspondence: Paul Barnes, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, United States of America, Email:

Received: 04-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. AGT-23-23034; Editor assigned: 07-Aug-2023, Pre QC No. AGT-23-23034 (PQ); Reviewed: 21-Aug-2023, QC No. AGT-23-23034; Revised: 28-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. AGT-23-23034 (R); Published: 04-Sep-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2168-9881.23.12.334

Description

Biopesticides and biofertilizers are natural products that can enhance crop protection and productivity, while minimizing the environmental and health risks associated with synthetic agrochemicals. Biopesticides are substances that control pests and diseases by biological means, such as parasitism, predation, competition, or antibiosis. Biofertilizers are substances that improve soil fertility and plant nutrition by increasing the availability or uptake of nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients.

One of the major sources of biopesticides and biofertilizers is microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, and nematodes. These microorganisms can produce various bioactive compounds that have beneficial effects on plants, such as plant growth hormones, enzymes, antibiotics, siderophores, toxins, and volatiles.

Examples of microbial biopesticides and biofertilizers

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a gram-positive bacterium that produces Crystalline proteins (Cry) that are toxic to specific insects such as caterpillars, mosquitoes, and beetles. Bt is one of the most widely used microbial insecticides in the world due to its effectiveness in controlling insect pests while being environmentally beneficial.

Trichoderma are filamentous fungi that act as biocontrol agents against various soil-borne fungal pathogens like Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Pythium. Additionally, Trichoderma spp. can produce plant growth-promoting substances like auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, and ACC deaminase, which stimulate plant growth and enhance plant health.

Rhizobium is a nitrogen-fixing bacterium that forms symbiotic associations with the roots of leguminous plants such as peas, beans, clover, and alfalfa. This bacterium can convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a form of nitrogen that can be easily assimilated by the plant. This reduces the need for chemical nitrogen fertilizers in legume cultivation.

Mycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic associations with the roots of most plants, including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. They enhance nutrient uptake from the soil by extending their hyphae beyond the root surface, improving the plant's access to nutrients, especially phosphorus. Additionally, mycorrhizal fungi can enhance a plant's water relations and stress tolerance, making them beneficial for plants growing in challenging conditions.

Development of biopesticides and biofertilizers from microbial sources

Isolation and identification of potential microorganisms: This involves collecting soil samples from different locations and screening them for microorganisms that show antagonistic or beneficial effects on plants or pests.

Characterization and optimization of bioactive compounds: This involves analyzing the chemical structure and mode of action of the bioactive compounds produced by the microorganisms. It also involves optimizing the production conditions and formulation methods to enhance the stability and efficacy of the compounds.

Evaluation and registration of microbial products: This involves testing the microbial products for their safety and effectiveness under laboratory and field conditions. It also involves complying with the regulatory requirements and standards for registering the products for commercial use.

Advantages over conventional agrochemicals

Target specificity: Microbial products can target specific pests or pathogens without affecting non-target organisms or beneficial insects.

Biodegradability: Microbial products can degrade naturally in the environment without leaving harmful residues or causing pollution.

Cost-effectiveness: Microbial products can be produced at low cost using renewable resources or waste materials.

Sustainability: Microbial products can reduce the dependence on synthetic agrochemicals and promote organic farming practices.

In conclusion, biopesticides and biofertilizers from microbial sources are potential alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals that can improve crop protection and productivity in an eco- friendly manner. However, there are still some challenges and limitations that need to be addressed, Microbial products may show variable performance depending on the environmental conditions, soil type, crop variety, pest population, etc.

Microbial products may interact negatively with other agricultural inputs or practices, such as chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Acceptability of Microbial products may face social or cultural barriers to adoption by farmers or consumers. Therefore, further research and development are needed to overcome these challenges and to exploit the full potential of biopesticides and biofertilizers from microbial sources.