By Jamie Martin
Researchers from North Carolina State University have introduced an innovative technique that allows for the successful encapsulation of beneficial bacteria.
These bacteria, when applied to plants, improve growth and offer protection against pests and pathogens. The new technique could transform how farmers use beneficial bacteria alongside agrochemicals.
“Many of the beneficial bacteria we know of are fairly fragile, making it difficult to incorporate them into practical, shelf-stable products,” says John Cheadle, co-lead author and Ph.D. student at NC State. This breakthrough stabilizes the bacteria, making it easier to develop plant probiotics.
The key to this technique is a custom-made emulsion consisting of two parts: a saline solution with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) and a biodegradable oil and polymer mixture. This allows the bacteria to be incorporated with pesticides and fertilizers without harmful solvents.
In tests, researchers found that bacteria like Pseudomonas simiae, which acts as a biopesticide, and Azospirillum brasilense, which acts as a biofertilizer, thrived in the emulsion.
The emulsion significantly improved the survival rate of the bacteria compared to a saline solution alone. In a test involving pesticide fluopyram, the emulsion provided a slower, sustained effect, killing pests over a 72-hour period, offering prolonged protection.
“Our technique allows us to incorporate multiple active ingredients into a single delivery system and lets the PGPBs thrive,” says Mariam Sohail, co-lead author of the study.
This innovation could lead to more sustainable farming practices, reducing the need for excessive chemical use while promoting healthier plants and soil. Researchers are now looking to test this technique in greenhouse and field settings.
Photo Credit: istockgetty-images-plus-claraveritas
Categories: National