Applied Microbiology
Applied Microbiology Overview
The application of microbiology in agriculture is quite broad. Its usefulness is seen in the management of crop pests and diseases, and in enhancing soil fertility. Microorganisms especially bacteria are deployed as bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides and bio-control agents that are safer for the environment and have the capacity to increase crop yield potentials significantly. Soil biodiversity serve as bio-fertilizer by increasing nutrient levels in soils. For example, Azotobacter, Rhizobium, Blue-green algae and Azospirilium are atmospheric nitrogen fixing bacteria naturally present in the soil while mycorrhiza is a beneficial fungus which has a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. These microbes improve overall soil quality and reduce the need for chemical fertilizer application. Besides improving soil nutrient quality, azotobacter also supplies plants with antibiotics to ward-off non-beneficial bacteria that may be injurious to the plant.
Bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides can also be produced commercially by fermenting strains or constituents of living soil organisms, adding genetic materials from plants or infusing insect pathogens to manufacture eco-friendly products. These products asides improving soil fertility also control weeds and pests. Due to increasing consumer awareness on the need to protect the environment by making healthier food choices, and the shortage of agrochemicals, the bio-fertilizer market value is expected to hit $4.17 Billion by 2023.
Although issues relating to standardization, product quality, and registration bureaucracy may interfere with its growth. Engage us today for your research needs in the area of applied microbiology.
Although issues relating to standardization, product quality, and registration bureaucracy may interfere with its growth. Engage us today for your research needs in the area of applied microbiology.
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