Mycorrhizal fungi preferentially withdraw minerals from organic matter for the plant whereas cyanobacteria are characterized by the property of nitrogen fixation. It comprises living organisms which include mycorrhizal fungi, blue-green algae, and bacteria.
“Biofertilizers are substances that contain microorganisms, which when added to the soil increase its fertility and promotes plant growth.”īiofertilizers are the substance that contains microbes, which helps in promoting the growth of plants and trees by increasing the supply of essential nutrients to the plants. These agents are specific in nature this along with the cost limits their use. Fungus-like Trichoderma and baculoviruses of genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus are some other microbial biocontrol agents. The spores that are ingested release toxins in the guts of the larvae and kill them.īiotechnology has developed disease-resistant and pest-resistant plants by injecting the toxic genes of B. Spraying the solution of Bt made of spores on plants will kill the butterfly caterpillars. For example, Bacillus thuringiensis which is often referred to as Bt is a microbial biocontrol agent. Microbes act as biocontrol agents in three ways, either they cause diseases in the pests or compete with them or kill them.īiotechnology has extended widely and has developed many biocontrol agents. These microbes include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoans.
Other than insects, microbes are also used as biocontrol agents. Ladybird and dragonflies are two common insects which are employed to eradicate aphids and mosquitoes respectively. This approach of pest management needs vivid knowledge about the life cycle and feeding habits of different life forms. Instead, farmers used biocontrol agents which predate the insects and pests that cause diseases to crops. The chemicals used for eradicating pest and parasite might not be always successful and also harm useful agents too. In other words, organic farmers keep a balance of useful and harmful agents within the system. In organic farming, farmers believe in mutualism. Thus, this prevents soil pollution and health issues related to insecticide poisoning, etc.īiocontrol agents are an integral part of organic farming. It is much reliable and healthier than killing insects and pest using insecticides and pesticides. Biocontrol works on the principle of predation and parasitism. The agents which are employed for this are called biocontrol agents.
The natural method of eliminating and controlling the insects, pests and other disease-causing agents using their natural, biological enemies is called biocontrol or biological control. Let’s take a glance at the role of microbes as biocontrol agents. Some microbes are useful in human welfare while others are harmful and toxic and make us ill. They are small enough not to be seen by our naked eyes. Microbes or microorganisms are tiny single-celled creatures.
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