As you have seen, at MAFA we talk a lot about microorganisms and their use in something as important in agriculture as biocontrol and bionutrition. Many types of microorganisms are true allies of agriculture, basically for two reasons:
- They reduce the dependence of crops on chemical products or avoid their use, something fundamental taking into account the new legal scenario regarding the use of certain compounds.
- They reduce soil and water contamination and, therefore, contribute to preserving biodiversity, which can do so much good for our crops.
Talking about microorganisms is, of course, talking about a huge number of tiny organisms that live in all kinds of ecosystems. Although it is true that bacteria and fungi are the ones most often used in agriculture. Their function? Very broad; biostimulant, phytosanitary… And, best of all: they are suitable for both conventional and organic and ecological agriculture.
The advantages of using microorganisms
THE MOST USED MICROORGANISMS IN AGRICULTURE
Bacteria
Certain bacteria can help boost crop production by fixing nitrogen, particularly those from the genus Rhizobium. These bacteria form symbiotic associations with plants and act as plant growth regulators, which gives crops extra yield.
At MAFA, for example, we have developed the prebiotic Prebiostart based on the microbial fermentation of proteobacteria, a biosolution that regenerates the soil microbiota by increasing the population of beneficial microorganisms in it.
We also work with this type of microorganism in Eklobac, based on organic acids and alginic acid obtained by fermentation of rhizobacteria.
What are the allies we work with at MAFA?
- Azobacter chroococcum; participates in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen.
- Azospirillum brasilense: capable of promoting plant growth in different crops.
. - Rhizobium radiobacter: have the ability to fix nitrogen and make it available to plants.
. - Psedomonas spp: contribute to plant growth and perform biocontrol functions.
More interesting bacteria for use in agriculture?
- Bacillus spp., which promote the solubilization of phosphorus.
- Nitosomonas spp. y Nitrobacter spp., which help in the fixation of nitrogen.
Fungus
The role of fungi such as the Trichoderma species is also crucial, which is in fact the most widely used fungus in global agriculture. This fungus is useful for combating soil-borne pathogens and can be used as a plant growth regulator, i.e. it promotes faster plant development and improves agricultural yield.
We cannot forget the role of mycorrhizal fungi, which can help the plant absorb essential nutrients.
In MAFA, fungi are present in our probiotics Asperbio and Trichospore. Trichospore is based on the fungus Trichoderma harzianum EEZ-4, which promotes root development, induces flower formation and increases fruit size. Asperbio, on the other hand, contains Aspergillus niger EEZ-93, which colonizes the plant root, improving growth, plant development and crop tolerance to drought and salinity.
Other fungi allies of agriculture?
- Bjerkandera adusta
- Fusarium oxysporum
- Penicillium chrysogenum
- Pycnoporus cinnabarinus
- Trametes versicolor
- Coprinellus radians
