to guarantee food production enough for the entire world population” is one of the sustainable development goals in the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations Organization. However, this is not possible without controlling crop loss caused by plant diseases. For this, it is necessary to develop new, sustainable and safe methods. And here he enters by force Biological control or biocontrol involving the use of harmless microorganisms to prevent crop disease. Sounds good, right?
The plague of phytopathogens
Microorganisms that attack plants are known as phytopathogens. These Infectious agents can affect roots, leaves, stems and even fruits., in some cases leads to the death of the plant. Its incidence has a major economic impact on the agri-food sector: FAO estimates that 220 billion dollars (approximately 200 billion euros) are lost each year due to diseases in agricultural products.
As if that wasn’t enough climate change causes the emergence, increase in severity and spread of bacteria and fungi pathogens. This makes it imperative to have effective control methods.
Traditionally, such controls have been carried out with chemical compounds. antimicrobials. However, there are many reasons for restricting its use.
First, due to the rise of microorganisms resistant to treatments. This increase in resistance must be approached from a perspective. One Health (take human, animal and environmental health as a whole) and agriculture plays a fundamental role in this.
Moreover, Residues of these compounds can pose serious problems for human and animal health.as well as for the environment. Its use is therefore regulated in the European Union, which keeps the list of authorized products under constant scrutiny. Added to all this is the rise of organic farming, where the use of many of these chemical antimicrobials is prohibited.
Fight to the death between germs
What are the microorganisms used in the control of plant diseases called? biological control agents (BCAs). These little allies are chosen from the same environments in which they will be used. Thus, it is understood that they adapt well to that environment and will be permanent after application.
In addition, its release cannot pose an ecological problem and cannot, for example, affect other beneficial microorganisms living there. Like this, CBAs are selected that are specific to the pathogen to be controlled but do not act against the normal microbiota of the ecosystem.
To understand biological control, you have to imagine a little miniature war. The pathogen and ACB will confront each other to effectively colonize the plant and thrive there. If he wins first, disease occurs, and if ACB wins, the plant remains healthy.
How does biological control work?
The mechanisms by which ACB prevents pathologies in plants are very diverse. Most of the time, they can prevent the development of the pathogen and carry it to another place. ACB is highly adaptable, grows fast and leaves no spaces or nutrients for harmful microorganisms to colonize the plant.
Another of the most important assets is the production of antimicrobial compounds by the ACB. Kill or prevent the growth of the attacker. This is an ancient mechanism that microorganisms naturally use to compete in the environment and find a good place to live. In this case, this fact is simply used to get a benefit in the crop.
But that’s not all. a lot of time, The presence of ACB assumes an increase in the plant’s defenses.. This way, the crop is better prepared to defend itself quickly if a pathogen arrives.
A mushroom choking like a boa constrictor
Most commonly, the same agent acts using different mechanisms. like that trichodermaIt is one of the main KBAs due to its high activity against a large number of pathogens.
This mushroom is versatile and has unique properties. It will be used to combat plant diseases. It grows very quickly in a wide variety of environmental conditions and can use a wide variety of nutrients. Additionally, many strains produce a wide variety of antimicrobials as well as other compounds that can enhance plant defenses.
However, the most incredible feature trichoderma It is what is known as hyperparasitism. This ACB can directly and specifically attack other pathogenic fungi.. With its threads it can zip them up like a boa constrictor and produce enzymes that break down the pathogen’s cells.
Biopesticides come (shy)
Currently, there are some commercial formulations. Contains bacteria and fungi for biological control of related plant diseases. These products are known as biopesticides. However, they represent only 5% of the global pesticide market. Much remains to be done to obtain effective products that overcome all the legal procedures to be used.
The first step is to develop a stable formula. The product should maintain the current ACB for as long as possible. while maximizing its antagonistic effect when administered.
After the product is designed and patented, it must be registered for use in agriculture. This process ensures that it meets all safety criteria, both health and environmental. The requirements are very strict.This means that many KBAs that look promising at the laboratory scale will never be used in the field.
The use of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture to fight other pathogens is a clear example of the good side of microbiology. There is still a long way to go, but hopefully it will become a sustainable and effective alternative to chemical pesticides in the future.
Original article: https://theconversation.com/microorganismos-amigos-como-alternativa-a-los-pesticidas-quimicos-204693
jessica gil serna
He is a PhD charter professor, microbiologist and member of the “Fungi and Yeasts of Interest in Agrifood” research group at the Complutense University of Madrid.
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Contact address of the environment department: [email protected]
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