Researchers discover bacteria that can remove pesticides from soil to improve crop yield

Image demonstrating the effects of the study’s bacterial mixture. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Soil contamination is one of the major problems in the agricultural sector. These compounds are toxic, can inhibit seed germination, reduce plant growth and yield, and also accumulate in seeds and plant biomass.

Traditional approaches to removing these pollutants, such as chemical treatments or soil disposal, often prove to be band-aid solutions – costly and unable to completely solve the problem.

To address this problem, a team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) identified bacteria originating from toxic environments. In doing so, they noticed that certain bacterial species, notably those in the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, were particularly effective at breaking down aromatic compounds. In a recent study published in the journal Environmental Technology and Innovation, researchers used the power of specific bacterial species to remove organic pollutants from soil.

Professor Prashant Phale, from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Bombay, under whose supervision Sandesh Papade carried out the research for his PhD. explained that these bacteria were isolated from contaminated soil and agricultural fields.

“They feed on pollutants and break them down into simpler, harmless, non-toxic compounds. They thus act as natural cleaners of polluted environments. Just like feeding two birds a scone, while breaking down aromatic pollutants, these bacteria also convert insoluble forms of essential nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, into soluble forms and make them easily accessible to plants. They also produce substances called siderophores, which help plants absorb iron in nutrient-limited environments.

Additionally, these bacteria also contribute to plant growth and health by producing a large amount of growth hormone called indoleacetic acid (IAA). “So while cleaning the soil, these bacteria also help plants become healthier and more robust by fertilizing the soil and improving its health,” Phale added.

Interestingly, when a mixture of bacteria from the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter is used, they significantly increase the growth and yield of crops (wheat, mung bean, spinach, fenugreek, etc.) by up to 45-50%. , according to research.

“As they say, “unity is the best policy.” Some varieties might be very effective at breaking down pollutants, while others might be better at promoting plant growth or defending against disease. By combining them, we have built a team of bacteria that can work together cooperatively, performing various tasks simultaneously and more efficiently,” said Phale.

Fungal diseases are another problem affecting several crops around the world. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, hundreds of fungal diseases affect 168 crops essential to human nutrition. Despite the use of fungicides and disease-resistant cultivars, fungal infections still cause global crop losses of 10-23% per year, with key calorie-dense crops consumed in India, such as rice and wheat, particularly affected. Mr Phale said the study also offered a potential solution to this serious problem.

“These beneficial bacteria produce substances like lytic enzymes and HCN (hydrogen cyanide) that can kill or inhibit the growth of plant pathogenic fungi. These bacteria act as a natural plant defense system. Unlike chemical pesticides, which can harm the environment and beneficial organisms, these bacteria are environmentally friendly and only target harmful fungi,” he explained.

Although the research results have great potential in a real-world situation, the researchers believe that it will take some time for them to be adopted on a large scale, as the technology will need to be scaled up, tested in different environments and made available as soon as possible. commercial products.

In the future, researchers also want to test how these beneficial bacteria benefit plants during droughts and other environmentally stressful conditions. They also intend to create easy-to-use products, called bio-formulations, that combine bacteria with natural materials, making them durable and simple to apply in agricultural fields.