ISSN 971-7390 tSomoZjd lwpuk i=tSomoZjd lwpuk i= · Poonam Sharma, Navprabhjot Kaur and Kunal...

ISSN 971-7390

tSomoZjd lwpuk i=tSomoZjd lwpuk i=tSomoZjd lwpuk i=tSomoZjd lwpuk i= BIOFERTILISER NEWS LETTER

vad 2 0 dz- 2 fnlEcj 201 2 Vol. 20 No.2 December 2012

e q[; laiknd M k d` ’.k panz fu ns”kd jk’Vª h; tSfod [ksrh dsU nz] xkft;kckn laiknd johU nz dqe kj Lkgk;d fu ns”kd {ks= h; tSfod [ksrh dsU nz] caxy ®j izdk”ku lgk;d gfj Hktu ,oa lqHkk"k panz jk"Vª h; tSfod [ksrh dsU nz] xkft;kckn Chief Editor Dr. Krishan Chandra Director National Centre of Organic Farming Ghaziabad Editor Ravindra Kumar Assistant Director Regional Centre of Organic Farming Bangalore

Publication Assistants Hari Bhajan & Subhash Chandra NCOF, Ghaziabad

Letters to the Editor 1

Revitalizing Soil Health with Biofertilisers

Poonam Sharma, Navprabhjot Kaur and

Kunal Garg

2

Arka Microbial Consortium – A Speciality

Bioinoculant for Sustainable Vegetable

Production

P.Panneerselvam, G.Selvakumar and A.N.

Ganeshamurthy

12

Biofilm: As next generation biofertilizer

Geetu Dhillon, Divya Bhagat, & Poonam Sharma* Department of Microbiology *Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics

Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana.

16

Recent Development in Microbial Technology

20

Books may be read

24

Biofertiliser Production data

26

OIs under FCO 1985

27

Biofertilizer Newsletter (BFNL) is a bi-annual publication under National Project on Organic Farming, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. BFNL is registered with Indian Scientific Documentation Centre. Scientific articles, extension news, results of field trials, information about recent events and review of books are especially welcome. Regarding articles, opinion expressed in BFNL is that of the author(s) and should not be attributed to this Centre. Acceptance of manuscripts for publication in BFNL shall automatically mean transfer of copyright to Biofertilizer Newsletter.

Biofertiliser News Letter, Vol 20(2) December 2012

tSomoZjd lwpuk i=] fnlEcj 2012 2

From the desk of Chief Editor_______________________

It gives me immense pleasure to interact with you through this publication which is going to complete its 20th anniversary in this month and with this it is the 40th issue since it came in to existence. To me it is first time to take over its entire responsibility as a Chief Editor and as a guardian after taking over as Director of the NCOF. During the long journey of its publication, many experts have come across the way to maintain the heritage of its quality. I too shall strive to maintain this legacy to the entire satisfaction of our valued readers.

In order to make it more popular, more informative

and interactive, we have decided to introduce some new features to enable our readers to interact and share the information with us. In the feature ‘letters to the editors’ our readers can express their opinions on the material published that would certainly be of grave importance to us to further improve the material quality to the satisfaction of our readers. In another similar feature introduced, the readers would be able to put their technical queries out of difficulties faced by them in the use of Biofertilisers or bio-control agents. We with the help of our experts would try to solve the complications faced by the users. The readers can also send the news on Biofertilisers research, extension, books and publicity which shall be published in the name of sender. Beside it, the status on production / marketing and quality control in the country would also be given place in the news letter.

I hope the readers would find it quite interesting and informative.

_____________Krishan Chandra



Editorial____________________________________

Dear Readers

Human, animal, plant and soil health or concisely say the health of entire environment is a major concern today compelling all the living being to run for a change. The reason for deterioration of environmental health is attributable mainly to the excessive and imbalanced use of agrochemicals and fertilizers that leads to the residual toxicity all over the environment affecting all living beings resulting huge disturbances in natural cycles and bio-activities. Therefore in the race of change, agricultural production process – diversification in management of nutrients, diseases and pest control concept is of paramount importance to curb the menace of health of biosphere.

Although, it is difficult to avoid the use of agrochemicals and fertilizers to

achieve the target yields in the present situation of farming but it can be gradually attained by continuous efforts and adopting eco-friendly technologies and inputs. The scientists are also on run to find the alternatives in the day by day changing situations. Use of life forms to meet the nutrients and plant protection requirements is one of the wanting face that can be used to redress the complications developed so far. A number of scientific reports are available on this issue. We also through this publication highlight the current reports and reviews for the use of our readers.

Among the life forms use of microorganisms in the form of biofertiliser has proved to be quite successful. The present issue of Biofertiliser News addresses such complications with latest findings of scientists.

Beside we have brought the latest information on books and events for the

use by our readers. We are hopeful that the readers would find them quite useful and interesting. Also we shall be pleased to answer the queries from the readers if any they feel. At the same time we welcome our readers to share their views by sending the news, information, research papers, articles etc. to make the BFNL more worthwhile. Due thanks to our valued readers and authors.

_____________Ravindra Kumar



Letters to the Editor__________

Welcome readers –now you have opportunity to participate and be interactive with this publication.

This is a new feature added to this publication from this issue.

All the times the readers are made to read whatever is published and there is no way to understand the level of satisfaction the readers come to attain after going through its contents on publication of an issue. We think that reader’s views are quite important to consider. The news / information being disseminated through this publication should have a reflection from the readers to complete the process of communication and to enable the readers to communicate if they expect any special reference or material. The choice of the readers should always be kept in mind while making efforts to give latest news / information on the subject. Thus to make it interactive, more informative and readers friendly we think that creating this column is quite important.

We welcome the communication from our valued readers for this column. The communication may contain views of readers on importance of material published and its extent of advantages to them beside the material they think to be given consideration for publication in the issue. The feedback so received from the readers would not only be accommodated in this column but also it would be considered to assess it if found significant to further improve the quality of material to be published. The communication may also be information about a particular event, news or literature on biofertilizer in the locality of the readers which could turn advantageous to other readers. Thus an interaction could be established among the readers through this publication. This would also inspire the others readers to be interactive and share their views / information and news which we think would ultimately benefit the all the stake holders including farmers.

With this we again welcome the letters from the readers addressed to the editor. The readers must write their complete name and communication address, mobile no. and e-mail IDs while making communication with us for this column.

Ravindra Kumar



Revitalizing Soil Health with Bio-fertilizers

Poonam Sharma*, Navprabhjot Kaur* and Kunal Garg1

*Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. 1 Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences, Thapar University, Patiala.

The use of chemical fertilizers not only depletes the natural fossil fuel reserve resources but also adds to cost of production. Economic and environmental considerations are compelling the scientists world over to find sustainable alternatives. Environmental friendly strategy for agricultural production is provided by the nature itself. Beneficial root colonizing micro-organisms viz. fungi and bacteria as bio-fertilizer have tremendous scope on agricultural production.

Bio-fertilizers Bio-fertilizers are the outcome of most advance microbial technology required to support, sustainable and non-polluting agriculture. Bio-fertilizers contained living micro-organism when applied to seed, plant surfaces or soil they accelerate their microbial processes which augment the availability of nutrients for easy assimilation by plants.

Different Types of Bio-fertilizers S. No. Groups Examples 1. Bio-fertilizer for Macro-nutrients N2 fixing bio-fertilizers a. Free-living Azotobacter, Beijerinkia, Derxia, Nostoc, b. Symbiotic Rhizobium, Frankia, Anabaena azollae c. Associative Symbiotic Azospirillum,Gluconoacetobacter diazotrophics P solubilizing bio-fertilizers a. Bacteria Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum, Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus circulans, Pseudomonas striata b. Fungi Penicillium sp, Aspergillus awamori P mobilizing bio-fertilizers a. Arbuscular mycorrhiza Glomus sp.,Gigaspora sp.,Acaulospora sp.,

Scutellospora sp. &Sclerocystis sp. Sulphur oxidizers Thiobocblus thioxidans

2. Bio-fertilizers for micro nutrients a. Zinc solubilizers Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Aspergillus niger

b. Potassium and Silicate solubilizers

Erwinia, Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp.Fracturia auerentia

c. Manganese solubilizers Pencillium citrinum 3. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria a. PGPR Bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus sp. Burkholderia,

Herbaspirillum Fungi Piriformospora indica

4. Bio-filmed bio-fertilizers Fungal-bacterial bio-films (FBB), fungal-rhizobial bio-films (FRB)



Despite abundant quantity of nitrogen in the atmosphere, the plants cannot utilize nitrogen since it is inert. Diazotrophs mediate fixation of nitrogen at ambient temperature and pressure enzymatically, by a process known as biological nitrogen fixation. Asymbiotic/Free living nitrogen fixing bio-fertilizers: Most important bacteria in this group are Azotobacter, Derxia and Beijerinkia found in soil. Azotobacter: Azotobacter is potential bio-fertilizer in rhizosphere of leguminous and non-leguminous crops due to availability of various readily utilizable carbon compounds. These free living nitrogen fixers are considered to be advantageous for plant growth and yield. Apart from fixing nitrogen, they also known to release growth promoting substances like indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid and exhibit fungistatic activity. Increase in yield due to Azotobacter inoculation has been reported in cereals such as maize, peral millet, wheat and sorghum. Azotobacter inoculation curtails the nitrogen requirement of fertilizers by 10 to 20% under normal field conditions. Cyanobacteria: Cyanobacteria earlier known as blue green algae such as Anabena, Nostoc, Aulosira,Tolypothrix are excellent N2 fixers. Cyanobacteria include unicellular colonial species in which some filamentous species have the ability to differentiate into different cell types:

a) Vegetative cells: normal photosynthetic cells found under favourable growing conditions

b) Akinetes: climate resistant spores formed under environmental stress conditions

c) Heterocysts: thick walled cells containing nitrogenase enzyme vital for N2 fixation. Heterocysts are specialized structures for N2 fixation and able to fix

nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3+),

nitrites (No2-) or nitrates ((No3

-) which can be utilized by plants. The capacity of nitrogen fixation varies with agro-climatic conditions. They can provide 20-30kg/N/ha/Yr in rice fields. In addition to nitrogen, cyanobacteria enrich soil with extracellular carbohydrates and many secondary metabolites. They are also known to increase soil water holding capacity and ameliorates degraded soil due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and salt affected soils.

Symbiotic Nitrogen-fixing bio-fertilizers: Rhizobium: Rhizobia are the most important of all the bio-fertilizers which fix atmospheric nitrogen by forming root nodules which act as mini-factories of nitrogen fixation in legume plants. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is a molecular dialogues between legume and Rhizobium for a new tissue (nodule) on root plant. Atmospheric nitrogen fixation is carried out by the enzyme nitrogenase of Rhizobium with the help of nodulins (legume plant protein) and transfer to plant for effective symbiosis. The legume-Rhizobium association contributes up to 360kgN/ha/yr depending upon legume species, host Rhizobium genotype, agro-climatic conditions and their interaction. Inoculation of Rhizobium bio-fertilizer to legume crops enhances nodulation, nitrogen fixation and yield. Nodulation surveys indicate a need for inoculation every season for majority of legume crops cultivated in India. Competition between inefficient native strains to efficient inoculant strains appears to be a bottle neck in realizing higher yields from Rhizobium inoculation.



Rhizobium

Frankia: Casurania (non-leguminous tree) symbiosis : Non leguminous tree nodulated with Frankia are called actinorhizal plant. Nodules are formed by filamentous spore forming actinomycetes in 25 genera of 8 angiosperm families. This kind of symbiosis has promising role in improving nitrogen economy by N2 fixation and also help in stabilising eroding land surfaces. The actinorhizal nodules represent the cluster of modified roots with Frankia infected cells found in the cortex. Nodules first appear as swelling and later develops vesicles which are the sites of N2 fixation. The amount of nitrogen fixation in Frankia is about 90-200 kg N/ha /yr with Alunus and Croiatria species. Anabaena-azollae: Anabaena azollae is a cyanobacteria, forms symbiotic-association with a water fern Azolla and used as bio-fertilizers for rice cultivation. This association can fix N2 in rice ecosystem in the range of 30-100kgN/ha/season. Apart from nitrogen fixation, Azolla is also known to suppress weed population in wet land rice and provides additional economic advantage to rice cultivation. Recently it is also used to feed to enhance milk production in animals. Associative nitrogen fixing bio-fertilizers: Azospirillum: Azospirilla are the bacteria which colonize the root zone and fix nitrogen in loose association with C4 plants such as maize, sorghum, sugarcane etc. It also produces growth promoting

substances such as IAA, gibberellins, pantothenic acid, thiamine and niacin which promotes root proliferation, plant growth and yield. Azospirillum is remarkably versatile, it fixes atmospheric N2, mineralizes nutrients from soil, sequesters Fe, survives in stressed environmental conditions and also favours beneficial mycorrhizal plant associations. Recently they are known to mitigate negative effects of NaCl plant growth in wheat seedlings for plant growth (Brahmaprakash and Sahu 2012). Inoculation technology with Azospirillum could be extended in arid soils in order to protect crops against drought. Azospirillum biofertilizers are suitable for C4 crops such as maize, sorghum and other cereals like rice, wheat, barley, ragi and various horticultural crops. Azospirillum can fix nitrogen from 10 to 40 kg/ha. But still, there is wider gap in exploring them as potential bio-fertilizer and still a lot can be done in sustaining cereal production. Gluconoacetobacter diazotrophicus Nitrogen fixing bacteria Gluconoacetobacter diazotrophicus earlier known as Acetobacter diazotrophicus discovered from sugarcane crop. The bacterium colonizes the internal tissues of sugarcane and fixes nitrogen upto 200 kg/ha. It is an acid and sucrose loving (30% of sucrose) with highest pH (5.5) and oxygen tolerant bacterium. It is present in xylem vessels, intercellular space of root, shoot or leaf, ensuring proper supply of nutrients for nitrogen fixation. Phosphorus bio-fertilizers : Phosphorous solubilizing bio-fertilizer After nitrogen, the phosphorus is another important primary nutrient for the plants. Only 15 to 20 per cent of applied phosphorus is recovered by the crops and remaining gets fixed in the soil. The fixed form does not contribute to the available phosphorous content in the soil. Several



microorganisms have the ability to solubilize this fixed phosphorous by producing organic acids and enzymes and make them available to the crops. Several soil bacteria belonging to genera Bacillus, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Trichoderma have ability to solubilize inorganic phosphate and make it available to plants. The basic mechanism for mineral phosphate solubilisation is the production of organic acids and acid phosphates which play an important role in mineralization of organic phosphorous in soil. Efficient and economic use of phosphate fertilizer could be achieved by using PSMs in legumes, cereals and other useful crops. Micro-organisms with phosphate solubilizing potential increase the availability of soluble phosphate and enhance the plant growth by improving biological nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants.

Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria

Phosphorous mobilizing bio-fertilizer P—mobilizers facilitate mobilization of soluble phosphorus from distant places in soil where plant roots cannot reach and thus increase availability of P to plants. Mycorrhiza are prominent P mobilizers in a symbiotic association with plant roots. The fungal partner is benefited by obtaining its carbon requirements from host’s photosynthates and the plant in turn gains the much needed nutrients which would otherwise be inaccessible to the host. This uptake of nutrients is facilitated with the help of a fine absorbing hyphae of the fungus. These fungi are associated with majority of agricultural crops. Probably

Vesicular Arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) is the most abundant fungi in agricultural crops and account for 5–50% of the biomass of soil microbes. Seven genera of VAM these fungi produce symbiosis with plants forms a large number of spores that penetrate into the plant root and form two types of structures, i.e vesicles and arbuscules. Vesicles are smooth oval bodies that are most likely storage structures. Arbuscules are formed inside plant cells. Nutrients travel from soil through fungal hyphae to these arbuscules which gradually degenerate and provide nutrients to plants. Thus the association helps in higher uptake of P and better utilization of other nutrients like N, Cu, Zn and S, etc. VAM fungi also play an important role in water economy of plants and also improving the hydraulic conductivity of the root at lower soil water potentials. A few proposed mechanisms by which VAM fungi also help in activation of plant defense systems include changes in exudation patterns and concomitant changes in mycorrhizosphere populations, increased lignification of cell walls, and competition for space for colonization and infection sites. Sulphur oxidizers Sulfur is extremely important to plant growth and soil health and the genus Thiobacillus is an important group of sulphur oxidizer. The application of sulfur coupled with thiobacilli renders alkali soils fit for cultivation of crops. The formation of sulfuric acid by Thiobacillus in soil following additions of elemental sulfur augments nutrient mobilization by increasing the level of soluble phosphate, potassium, calcium, manganese, aluminium and magnesium. In fact, manganese deficiency in soils can be corrected by sulfur applications. Thiobacilli can also be used in the manufacture of a form of organic fertilizer long favored in Australia. In 'biosuper', a mixture of rock phosphate and sulfur is



inoculated with Thiobacillus thiooxidans. The sulfuric acid produced in the mixture dissolves the phosphate and thereby enhances phosphorus nutrition of plants. Thiobacillus also played an important role in controlling plant diseases in sulfur amended soils with regard to potato scab caused by Streptomyces scabies and the rot of sweet potatoes caused by S. ipomoea. Under acidic soil conditions (below pH 5.0), inoculation of soil with thiobacilli after addition of sulfur effectively minimizes losses due to these pathogens. Micronutrient solubilizing bio-fertilizers: Zinc (Zn) solubilizers Zinc is an utmost important micronutrient (0.008%) on the earth’s crust but still 60 per cent of Indian soils exhibit deficiency if Zn content < 1.5 ppm below the critical level of Zn. The plant constraints ts in absorbing zinc from the soil are overcome by external application of soluble zinc sulphate (znSo4). But the fate of applied zinc in the submerged soil conditions is pathetic and 75% of applied zinc is transformed into different mineral fractions. There appears to be two main mechanisms of zinc fixation one operates in acidic soils and is closely related with cation exchange and other operates alkaline conditions where fixation takes place by complexation by organic ligards. Zn is an important element present as cofactor and metal activator. Exogenous application of soluble zinc sources, similar to fertilizers applications has been advocated to various crops. This causes transformation of about 96-99 percent of applied available zinc to various unavailable can be reverted back to available forms by inoculating zn solubilizers like Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp., and Aspergillus niger. Among fungal genera A. niger possesses immence potential of solubilizing zinc and

used to quantify zinc in soils containing low zinc. Lichens and conifers are conspicuous for higher zn content and the highest concentration of this element has been found in poisonous mushroom. Potassium and silicate solubilizer bacteria Microbial inoculants that are able to dissolve potassium from mineral and rocks, have influence on plant growth with both economic and environment advantage. Many indigenous soil microorganisms have the potential to absorb and mobilize the fixed form of nutrient from trace mineral sources. Silicate bacteria are also known to dissolve potassium, silica and aluminium from insoluble minerals and they are known to liberate organic acids during solubilisation. A variety of soil microorganisms have been found to solubilize silicate minerals including bacteria like Erwinia, Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. Manganese solubilizers Penicillum citrinum a fungal culture present in soil is known to solubilize manganese from the low grade manganese ores and from the soil if it present. The fungus produces reductive compounds such as organic acids and which help in solubilizing of manganese. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as bio-fertilizer Rhizobacteria are rhizosphere-competent bacteria that aggressively colonize plant roots; they are able to multiply and colonize on the roots in the presence of a competing microflora and enhance plant growth. Significant increases in growth and yield of agronomically important crops in response to inoculation with PGPR have been repeatedly reported. PGPR can affect plant growth by different direct and indirect mechanisms viz : (1) increased mineral nutrient solubilizaton and nitrogen



fixation, making nutrients available for plants (2) repression of soil borne pathogens (by the production of siderophores, hydrogen cyanide, antibiotics and/or competition for nutrients),(3) Improving plant stress tolerance to drought, salinity and metal toxicity and production of phytohormones like indole acetic acid (IAA). Some PGPR have the enzyme 1-amino cy clopropane-1-catrboxylate (ACC) deaminase, which hydrolyses ACC, the immediate precursor of ethylene in plants, by lowering ethylene concentration in seedlings and thus its inhibitory effects, these PGPR stimulate seedlings root length. The bacteria presenting one or more of these characteristics are known as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria –PGPR. There are several PGPR inoculants currently commercialized that seem to promote growth through at least one mechanism; suppression of plant disease (bio-protectants); improved nutrient acquaton (bio-fertilizer); phytohormone production (bio-stimulation). In last few decades a large array of bacteria including species of Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Burkholderia, Bacillus and Serratia have reported to enhance plant growth. There is huge potential for the use of PGPR as biofertilizing agents for a wide variety of crop plants in a wide range of climatic and edaphic conditions.

Pseudomonas sp. as PGPR

Piriformospora indica : Piriformospora indica is a wide-host root colonizing endophytic fungus which promotes plant growth and performance, in particular under physical, biological and nutrient stress, P. indica has a vast geographical distribution and has been reported from Asia, Europe, South America and Australia. The entire genome of P. indica has been sequenced and the sequence is publically available since 2011 (Zucarro et al. 2011). The use of P indica as a growth and biomass-stimulating fungus in agriculture is well know due to (1) single infection processes is sufficient for the efficient root colonization (2) can survive under adverse environmental conditions viz. such as cold (<0oC), extreme heat (>45oC), salt and heavy meal polluted soils, soils with varied pH values (3.3-9.2) (3) promotes micro (eg Fe) and macro (such as P, S and N) nutrient uptake from soil (4) confers resistance to root and leaf pathogens through Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) (5) Stimulation of plant growth and biomass though root exudates. Very encouraging results for growth promotion has been reported in wheat, barley, maize and tomato crops. The axenic cultivability of P indica on economically viable synthetic media makes its suitable for mass scale inoculum production for application in agriculturally important crops. Cultivation method has been standardized for large scale fermention techniques with biomass production upto 5 liter like (Trebicka et al. 2012). Bio-filmed bio-fertilizers: Recently application of developed bio-film as bio-fertilizer has a great potential in crop production. A bio-film consists of microbial cells (algal, fungal, bacterial and/or other microbial) plus an extracellular biopolymer (EPS) produced by the cells which provides structure and protection to the community. Formation of fungal-bacterial bio-films (FBBs) by bacterial colonization



on biotic fungal surfaces gives the bio-films enhanced metabolic activities compared to monocultures. Beneficial biofilms eleveloped in vitro cultured conditions both fungal and bacterial strains were used as bio-fertilizers for non-legume species with good efficacy results. Application of biofilm inoculant containing a fungal – rhizobia consortium significantly increased N2 fixation in soybean compared to traditional Rhizobium inoculation. Wheat seedlings inoculated with biofilm production bacteria exhibited an increase yield in moderate saline soils. Biofilms seem also to help the micro-organ to survive after inoculation even under stress conditions. This is a key aspect for the effectiveness of PGPM inoculation under agricultural conditions. The biofilmed inocula can be effectively used in bio-solubilization of rock-phosphate. Further they can also be used for successful establishment of introduced beneficial micro-organisms in plants for bio-control of disease etc. Pleurotus ostreatus, Pseudomonas flurescence biofilm increase endophytic colonization of tomato by P. flourescens. Diverse forms of biofilmed inocula may satisfy the future demand of augmented crop productivity with increased N2 fixation, nutrient uptake and bio-control of diseases. Intensive agriculture being followed to meet the food requirements of increasing

population is causing soil health problems. Proper exploitation of microorganisms for revitalizing soil health a site specific (agro-ecological) package technology should be worked out. The constraints related to low or no response also needs to be pinpointed. Bio-fertilizer technology needs to be popularised among farmers and assured supply of quality bio-fertilizers needs be guaranteed by the governmental agencies and NGO’s. There is urgent need for research to select the combination of beneficial micro-organism or that interact synergistically and show promising trend in the field of inoculation technology.

References Brahmaprakash G.P and Sahu P.K (2012) A review: Bio-fertilizers for Sustainability. J Indian Institute of Sci . 92(1):37-62.

Trebicka, A., Oelmuller, R., Sherameti, I., Nongbri, P.L., Johnsen, J. Michal. 2012. Utilization of root colonizing fungi for improved performance of agriculture crops.

Seneviratne, G., Kecskés, M.L., Kennedy, I.R., 2008b. Biofilmed bio-fertilizsers: novel inoculants for efficient nutrient use in plants. In: Kennedy, I.R., Choudhury, A.T.M.A., Kecskés, M.L., Rose, M.T. (Eds.), Efficient Nutrient Use in Rice Production in Vietnam Achieved Using Inoculant Bio-fertilisers. Proceedings of a Project (SMCN/2002/073) Workshop Held in Hanoi, Vietnam, 12e13 October 2007. ACIAR Proceedings No. 130, Canberra, pp. 126-130.

Our New DirectorOur New DirectorOur New DirectorOur New Director

Dr Krishan Chandra



Microbial Consortium – A Speciality Bioinoculant for Sustainable Vegetable Production

P.Panneerselvam, G.Selvakumar and A.N. Ganeshamurthy

Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR),

Hessaraghatta Lake – Post, Bangalore – 560 089, Karnataka Corresponding author: [email protected]

With the introduction of green revolution technologies, the modern agriculture has become dependent on the steady supply of synthetic inputs (mainly fertilizers), though several adverse effects have been reported due to the excess and imbalanced use of these synthetic inputs. In agricultural production, overuse of mineral fertilizers, pesticides and inadequate management practices of soil, can adversely affect the soil health by changing its physical, chemical and biological properties. The situation so developed alarms to identify harmless inputs like beneficial microbes. Use of such natural products like bio-fertilizers in vegetable cultivation helps in safeguarding the soil health and also the quality of produce. In 2008-09, a survey undertaken by IIHR, Bangalore in the major vegetable growing regions in Karnataka recorded lower levels of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPR) in the surveyed fields. The lower level of these microorganisms in the rhizosphere of vegetable crops indicates the necessity to increase the beneficial bacterial population to improve soil health especially in the vegetable growing regions. At present, most farmers do not use bio-fertilizers for crop production due to varied reasons such as slow visible effect, sometimes poor performance, non availability of all the inoculants in one place and lack of awareness. To

overcome these problems, a suitable delivery system of efficient microbes that retains beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere of crop plants is required to be developed. It is always felt that the combined inoculation of different bacterial strains provides better results than a single inoculation. The major reason for non-survival of introduced microbes in the rhizosphere of the crop plants is due to their lower numbers and the initial difficulties in adapting to the rhizospheric environment.

Need for development of this technology The increasing success of biofertilizer application in most of the crops has been achieved by co-inoculation of nitrogen fixers, nutrient solubilizers and growth promoters. This strategy has been found to be significantly superior to the inoculation of single strains. In horticulture especially, the search for such alternatives to inorganic fertilizers is essentially needed for vegetable production not only due to the likelihood of future price increases but also by the need to maintain long term soil productivity and ecological sustainability and the need to produce as safer produce. The application of a combined product of N fixing, P solubilizing and growth promoting microbes are difficult for farmers primarily due to the lack of quality products and its availability. To overcome this problem, the Division of



Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, IIHR, Bangalore has recently developed Arka Microbial Consortium for sustainable vegetable production. This technology exploits the synergistic effects of above microbes, apart from reducing cost of application. What is microbial consortium? Arka Microbial consortium is a carrier based microbial product that contains N fixing, P & Zn solubilizing and plant growth promoting microbes in single carrier. This product is produced by using the efficient rhizosphere competent N fixing, nutrient solubilizing and growth promoting bacteria screened from different agro ecological vegetable growing regions of Karnataka. After initial characterization and compatibility determination, the microbial consortium has been formulated in sterile lignite as carrier material. The shelf life of the consortium has been determined under both room and refrigerated conditions. The microbial consortium has been evaluated in both vegetable nursery and field conditions in different farmer’s field, wherein time and method of bio-fertilizers consortium application has been standardized for different vegetable crops. After thorough evaluation, this technology has been released from IIHR, Bangalore for the benefit of the farming community. This product is supplied through the Agricultural Technology Information Centre, IIHR at a nominal price of Rs. 75 per kg.

Novelty of the Microbial Consortium � Combination of N fixing, P & Zn

solubilizing and plant growth promoting microbes in single carrier, therefore no need of individual inoculants

� Exploits the synergistic effects of combined microbes

� Can be applied either through seed, soil, water and nursery media like coco peat

� Early germination of vegetable seedlings

� Increases the seedling vigor � When applied to the nursery media

(coco-peat), sufficient colonization of beneficial microbes in vegetable rhizosphere is ensured before transplanting

� Reduces 25 per cent of inorganic fertilizer application (N and P)

� Yield increase of 10.0 – 16.0 % in different vegetable crops

Where to apply the Arka Microbial Consortium The successful production of most transplanted vegetables mainly depends on the quality of seedlings. At present most vegetable seedlings are produced in protrays using coco peat as a nursery media. The seedlings produced by this system should therefore be vigorous, healthy and free from pest and diseases. The application of microbial inoculants during the nursery stage not only improves the vigor of seedlings but also minimizes the entry of pathogens by creating a competitive environment and the secretion of certain metabolites. In general it has been observed that the success of any microbial products under field condition mainly depends on how biofertilizers are applied, the time, method and quantum of application. Nursery and field experiments conducted at IIHR have shown that the application of the Microbial Consortium can sufficiently enhance the yield in both nursery and main field of different vegetable crops thus proving its desirability for use. Methods of Application � Seed treatment: 10-20g of the carrier

based inoculant should be mixed with



20 ml rice gruel to make slurry. Vegetable seeds (100-200 g) can be mixed with the slurry. Care should be taken to ensure a uniform coating of the inoculant on the seed surface. The treated seeds are then shade dried for 30 minutes. The shade dried seeds should be sown within 24 hours

� Coco peat enrichment: One kg of the Microbial Consortium (AMC) is sufficient to enrich 1000 kg (1 tonne) of coco peat. The carrier based inoculant should be a mixed with water @ 20/ lit and applied to the coco-peat through a rose can. The same method can be adopted to enrich the pro-tray raised vegetable seedlings also. For this purpose the solution of AMC, should be filtered through a muslin cloth and applied to the sprouted seeds usually on the 4th or 5th day after sowing

� Soil Drenching: AMC can be mixed with water @ 20 g/ lit and then applied near to the root zone on the 10th day

after transplanting. Alternatively the water constituted product can be filtered through a muslin cloth and applied through drip lines (bio-fertigation)

� Main field application; For the main field application of one acre of land, five kg of AMC can be mixed with 500 kg of FYM and applied near the root zone of standing crop. Alternatively it can be applied basally at the time of land preparation

Acknowledgements The authors gratefully thank the Director, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore for the support and infrastructural facilities to develop this technology.

Root Development in Arka Microbial

Consortium treated tomato seedlings

Root development in Control tomato seedlings



Biofilm: As next generation biofertilizer

Geetu Dhillon, Divya Bhagat, & Poonam Sharma* Department of Microbiology, *Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics

Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.

Microbial communities attached to surfaces are present in many environments including root rhizosphere. Microorganisms establish themselves as communities on the root surface is a critical question because, like their plant counterpart, microorganisms are equally dynamic and employ various mechanisms to cope with changed conditions.

Definition of biofilm

Biofilm production is an association of microbial cells (algal, fungal, bacterial and/or other microbial) plus an extracellular bio-polymer known as extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) with biotic or abiotic surfaces. Microorganisms may be present as monocultures or in consortium as group performing specialised metabolic functions. EPS provides an ambient environment for exchange of genetic material between cells of different communities. Biofilms have a unique pattern of gene expression that is different from their non-biofilm forming stages (Lear and Lewis 2012). When a cell switches to biofilm mode they communicate by a quorum sensing. Types of biofilm There are three major types of biofilms that can occur in the soil—

• Bacterial (including actinomycetes), • Fungal • Fungal Bacterial Biofilms (FBBs).

The bacterial and fungal biofilms are formed on abiotic surfaces in the soil. In

FBBs fungi act as the biotic surface to which the bacteria adhere to fungal hyphe.The FBBs differ from bacterial or fungal biofilms on abiotic surfaces and have higher metabolic efficiencies than bacterial biofilms and have better growth and colonization abilities than their monocultures. In nature microbial association of bacterial and mychorhizal fungi is one of the common example of FBBs present in soil. Biofilm attached to plant roots provide a battery of multiple functions including cycling of nutrients, control of phytopathogens and improvement in crop production.

Biofilm development There are five stages to the development of a mature biofilm: • Initial attachment • Irreversible attachment by the

production of EPS • Early development • Maturation of biofilm architecture • Dispersion

Free floating microorganisms adhere themselves to surface via reversible, weak Vander Wall forces. Further they anchor themselves permanently through cell adhesion structure like Pilli. Production of EPS serves to bind the cell to the surface and protect it from the surrounding environment. EPS can be composed of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, or phospholipids. A common EPS produced by bacterial cells in biofilms is the exopolysaccharide alginate. The speed of biofilms formation and maturation is affected by surface, cellular, and environmental factors.



Rough surfaces, porous, and less hydrophobic materials tend to enhance biofilm formation. Biofilms tend to form more readily in the presence of optimum nutrients availability, particularly of phosphorous which increases the adhesion ability of cells. High temperature increases the rate of cell growth, EPS production, and surface adhesion, all of which enhance biofilm formation. Developed biofilm dispersed as aggregate cell colony or colonies .

Benefits of biofilms

• Improve uptake of dissolved organic matter via activity of exo enzymes help in distributing nutrients and signal molecules through their water channels

• Facilitate exchange of metabolites nutrients and genetic material within the microbial communities

• Help in removing organic matter, protozoa, suspended solids and pathogens from the sewage treatment plants

• Also eliminate petroleum oil from contaminated oceans or marine systems

Importance of Biofilm in Agriculture

Biofilm inocula can be used as potent biofertilizer by introducing them in soil.

• Seneviratne and Jayasinghearachchi (2003) first time reported Fungus rhizobial biofilms (FRBs) as potential biofertilizer in soybean by improving 30% N2 fixation in contrast to Bradyrhizobium elkannii SEMIA 5019 as monoculture (conventional) inoculant.

• Biofilmed inocula enhanced release of organic acids and plant growth promoting (PGP) substances increased

25% plant dry weight in early growth of rice as compare to conventional monocultured inocula (Seneviratne and Indrasena 2006).

• Co-inoculation of PGP rhizobacteria and VAM fungi improved protein content in grains of wheat compared to their monocultures (Roesti et al 2006).

• Biofilms can also help the microorganism to survive under the stress conditions. Rhizobium culture survive at high salinity (400mM NaCl) by 105 fold and tannin concentrations (0.4 mM tannic acid) by 1012 fold when used as biofilmed inocula as FRBs in comparison to the rhizobial monoculture. (Seneviratne et al 2007)

• Biofilmed inocula can successfully employ in bio-solubilization of rock phosphate. Biofilm developed from Penicillium spp, Pleurotus ostreatus and Xanthoparmelia mexicana, a lichen fungus which increased the P solubilisation as compared to the fungus-only cultures (Seneviratne et al 2008).

• Biofilmed inocula can also be used for successful establishment of introduced beneficial microorganism in plants for control of phytopathogens. Biofilmed inocula of Pleurotus ostreatus – Pseudomonas fluorescens increased endophytic colonisation of tomato by P fluorescens, a biocontrol agent as compare to inoculation with P fluorescens alone (Jayasinghearachchi and Seneviratne 2006).

• Pleurotus ostreatus with rhizobial strain (FRBs) enhanced N2 fixation through biofilmed formation and also increased the protein content of mushroom (Seneviratne and Indrasena 2006).



• FBBs of beneficial endophytes produced higher acidity and PGP hormones than their mono or mixed cultures with no biofilmed formation. High acidity reflects high indole acetic acid like substances (IAAS) production which helps in pathogen suppression and improvement in crop growth (Bandara et al 2006).

Future prospective of biofilmed inocula

Soil application of FRBs as biofilmed inocula can play an important role in sustaining soil fertility in nutrient depleted soils. Selection of potential combinations of microbial communities for highest efficiency with simultaneous bio-fertilizing and bio-controlling activities is a major thrust for future biofilmed inocula as biofertilizer. Extensive research should be undertaken for optimising biofilmed inocula in various food crops for their easy delivery under field conditions.

References Bandara W.M.M.S., Seneviratne G. and

Kulasooriya S.A. 2006. Interactions among endophytic bacteria and fungi: Effects and potentials. Journal of Biosciences 31, 645–650.

Gavin Lear and Gillian D. Lewis 2012. In:

Microbial Biofilms: Current Research and Applications, Lincoln University, Christchurch and University of Auckland, New Zealand, Caister Academic Press

Jayasinghearachchi H.S. and Seneviratne G. 2006. A mushroom-fungus helps improve

endophytic colonization of tomato by Pseudomonas fluorescens through biofilm formation. Research Journal of Microbiology 1, 83–89.

Roesti D., Gaur R., Johri B.N., Imfeld G.,

Sharma S., Kawaljeet K. and Aragno M. 2006. Plant growth stage, fertilizer management and bio-inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria affect the rhizobacterial community structure in rain-fed wheat fields. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 38, 1111–1120.

Seneviratne G. and Indrasena I.K. 2006.

Nitrogen fixation in lichens is important for improved rock weathering. Journal of Biosciences 31, 639–643.

Seneviratne G. and Jayasinghearachchi H.S.

2003. Mycelial colonization by bradyrhizobia and azorhizobia. Journal of Biosciences 28, 243–247.

Seneviratne G., Zavahir J.S., Bandara

W.M.M.S. and Weerasekara M.L.M.A.W. 2007. Fungal-bacterial biofilms: their development for novel biotechnological applications. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 24(6), 739–743.

Seneviratne, G; Zavahir, JS; Bandara,

WMMS; Weerasekara, MLMAW. 2008. Fungal-bacterial biofilms: their development for novel biotechnological applications. World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology. 24(6):739-743.



Liquid Biofertilizer Technology wins Social Impact Award Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Anand has been awarded with Times of India (TOI) JP Morgan social impact award (2012) for the exceptional work on development, popularization and commercialization of liquid bio-fertilizer (LBF) technology. Of the 15 awarded in various categories, AAU has been chosen in Environment category under Government Organization group as independent award. Dr. R. V. Vyas, Research Scientist (Microbiology) and Mrs. H. N. Shelat, Associate Research Scientist (Microbiology) were involved in developing, popularization and commercialization LBF technology among the large creed of farmers in Gujarat. The Vice Chancellor of AAU, Dr. AM Shekh with his team comprising of Director of Research Dr. Kathiria, Dr. R. V. Vyas, Research Scientist (Microbiology) and Mrs. H. N. Shelat, Associate Research Scientist (Microbiology) received the social impact award from beneficiary Devesh Patel (farmer of Boriavi) at a function in New Delhi on 28th January, 2013. LBF are formulations containing beneficial microorganisms, which can fix atmospheric nitrogen and solubilize insoluble phosphates and make it available for the plants. Liquid biofertilizers are eco-friendly safe alternative to chemical fertilizers, more efficient, easy to use and also applicable in Hitech Agriculture viz. drip irrigation and green / poly houses, having one year shelf life and hence far and widely accepted by farmers said Dr. Vyas. Mrs. Shelat opined that use of LBF 1 liter per hectare can augment chemical fertilizer to the tune of 20-30 kg N & P.

Visualization, modeling and prediction in soil microbiology

The introduction of new approaches for characterizing microbial communities and imaging soil environments has benefited soil microbiology by providing new ways of detecting and locating microorganisms. Consequently, soil microbiology is poised to progress from simply cataloguing microbial complexity to becoming a systems science. A systems approach will enable the structures of microbial communities to be characterized and will inform how microbial communities affect soil function. Systems approaches require accurate analyses of the spatio–temporal properties of the different microenvironments present in soil. In this Review we advocate the need for the convergence of the experimental and theoretical approaches that are used to characterize and model the development of microbial communities in soils.

Adsorption and binding of dirty DNA on Ca2+ homoionic montmorillonite and kaolinite ASCHER J., Ceccherini M.T., Nannipieri P. and Pietramellara G. Dep. of Soil Sci. and Plant Nutrition, Uni. of Florence,Italy. Bacterial transformation of pure DNA adsorbed by soil particles can occur in the presence of a competent cell and the adsorbed nucleic acid is protected from DNase degradation. However, the release of impure rather than pure DNA is more common in the extracellular soil environment, especially considering that microbial death and lysis is a common event in soil. Thus, there is the need to study the adsorption of dirty (impure) DNA by soil particles. In order to exceed this

Recent Developments in Soil Microbial Technology



gap we have investigated on the adsorption and bound of dirty DNA on clay minerals, and its transforming ability in comparison with pure DNA. As bacteria donor and recipient of DNA we have selected two strains of Bacillus subtilis, a common inhabitant of soil, BD 1512 (trp-; thr-; Cmr) and BD 170 (his-; leu-; met-; Cm-

), respectively. Dirty DNA, obtained from cell lysis of Bacillus subtilis BD 1512 (donor strain) following the method of Svarachorn et al. (1989), was divided in two fractions, one with cellular debris and the other without cellular debris, to allow the evaluation of the influence of cellular debris on the DNA adsorption and binding on clay minerals as well as its transforming ability. The adsorption isotherm on to montmorillonite or kaolinite, homoionic to Ca2+, showed that the amount of pure DNA adsorbed and bound by both clay minerals was lower than that of dirty DNA. Infact, impure DNA seems to increase the strength of adsorption and binding onto clays in absence of cellular debris rather than in its presence. Nevertheless impure DNA adsorbed onto clay minerals, especially in the presence of cellular debris, was easily desorbed, contrary to pure DNA, by washing with double distilled water. Clay minerals protected both pure and dirty DNA from DNaseI activity. Transformation studies confirmed the ability of all types of DNA (pure DNA, impure DNA with and without cellular debris), both, free in supernatant and adsorbed on clay minerals, to transform competent cells. Impact of pseudomonad inocula on the biodiversity and function of phytosphere microbiota

Bailey M.J., Houlden A. and Timms-Wilson T. M. NERC, CEH-Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SR, U.K.

Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 is a natural isolate typical of the fluorescent pseudomonads that colonise rhizosphere soil and the plant phytosphere. This isolate was collected from the leaves of field grown sugar beet and has been the subject of intensive field and laboratory investigations to understand its ecology, population genetics and the molecular basis of the activity of this bacterium and associated horizontal gene pool. Modified variants of this bacterium and its natural plasmids have been constructed that allow the study of the factors that influence competition, survival and horizontal gene transfer in the natural environment. A single copy of the operon that directs the biosynthesis of phenazine carboxylic acid (PCA) derived from P. fluorescens 2-79 has been modified to remove the phzI and phzR regulators and inserted as a single copy into the chromosome of P. fluorescens SBW25 (Timms-Wilson et al. Chromosomal insertion of the phenazine biosynthetic pathway (phzABCDEFG) enhances the efficacy of damping-off disease control by Pseudomonas fluorescens. MPMI 13, 1293-1300. 2000). In laboratory and glasshouse studies PCA expression significantly enhanced the control of damping-off disease in sugar beet, pea and wheat. Inocula persisted throughout the plant growing season and the activity and impact of the biological control agent on the indigenous microflora was determined. Measures of soil enzyme activity, bacterial and fungal diversity revealed that competition and community succession in the phytosphere were more strongly influenced by plant type than either the presence of inocula or disease. To minimise the potential for unintended impact we are further modifying the inocula by introducing a promoter for the niche regulated expression of PCA biosynthesis. This promoter, identified in P. fluorescens provides an effective genetic biocontainment for BCA activity



that allows the interruption of invasion of plant material by the phytopathogen. Details will be provided of analyses of ecosystem function, plant productivity and mycorrhizal associated which were unaffected or enhanced in the presence of inocula that express the natural antifungal compound PCA.

Effects of Pseudomonas Putida Modified to Produce Phenazine and Phloroglucinol on the Microflora of Field Grown Wheat.

BAKKER1 Peter A.H.M., GLANDORF1 Debora C.M., VIEBAHN1 Mareike, SMIT2 Eric, LEEFLANG2 Paula, WERNARS2 Karel, THOMASHOW3 Linda S., THOMAS-OATES4 Jane E., & VANLOON1 Leendert C.

Pseudomonas putida WCS358r, genetically modified to have improved activity against soil-borne pathogens, was released into the rhizosphere of wheat. Two genetically modified derivatives carried the phz or the phl biosynthetic gene loci and constitutively produced either the antifungal compound phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) or the antifungal and antibacterial compound 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG). In 1997 and 1998, effects of single introductions of PCA producing derivatives on the indigenous microflora were studied. A transient shift in the composition of the total fungal microflora, determined by amplified ribosomal DNA restiction analysis (ARDRA), was detected. Starting in 1999, effects of repeated introduction of genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) were studied. Wheat seeds coated with the PCA producer, the DAPG producer, a mixture of the PCA and DAPG producers, or WCS358r, were sown and the densities, composition and activities of the rhizosphere microbial populations were measured. All introduced strains decreased from 107 CFU per gram of

rhizosphere sample to below the detection limit after harvest of the wheat plants. The phz genes were stably maintained in the PCA producers, and PCA was detected in rhizosphere extracts of plants treated with this strain or with the mixture of the PCA and DAPG producers. The phl genes were also stably maintained in the DAPG producing derivative of WCS358r. Effects of the genetically modified bacteria on the rhizosphere fungi and bacteria were analyzed by using amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis. Introduction of the genetically modified bacterial strains caused a transient change in the composition of the rhizosphere microflora. However, introduction of the GMMs did not affect the several soil microbial activities that were investigated in this study.

Soil - and Rhizobiological Tools for the Risk Assessment of Bt Corn

BIRÓa Borbála,e, VILLÁNYIa Ilona, NAÁRb Zoltán, BAKONYIc Gábor, MAGYARd Emőke and TOMBÁCZd Endre aLaboratory of Rhizobiology, Research Institute for Soil Sci. and Agril. Chem. of Hungarian Acad. of Sci, Budapest bDeptt. of Botany, Esterházy Károly College, Eger cDepartment of Zoology and Ecology, Szent István University, Gödöllő, dÖKO Ltd, Budapest, eBIOTOP Ltd, Érd, Hungary The potential use of some soil - and rhizobiological methods were studied in order to assess the environmental risk of the GMO corn (Zea mays, Alpha Bt-Bt11) expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab endotoxin. Besides the conventional soil-biological survey of the culturable microbes (nitrogen-fixers, micromycetes, ctinomycetes, spore-formers, heterotrophs and oligotrophs or Trichoderma fungi) (Angerer et al., 1997) and the use of other rhizobiological investigations (i.e. the colonisation properties of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) were also tested along the seasonal



development of the host-plants. Soil-microbial properties were correlated with the abundance and functioning of soil-edaphon directly with Törne-test or by Enchytraeus albidus test-organisms and indirectly through the decomposition assessment of Bt corn plant residues (Törne, 1990). The result of the seasonal and annual variations of the above mentioned parameters and the decomposition dynamics of Bt or non-Bt corn are being summarised in this study. No significant differences were found between the abundance of culturable microbes between rhizosphere soil of Bt or non-Bt corn in the first year of examinations. Some calculated parameter, however, such as the Shannon diversity index of Trichoderma fungi or the ratio between the r/k strategists seemed to be more reliable tools for risk assessment. Variability in the colonisation (F%) or the productivity (a%) of arbuscular mycorrhizal

fungi (AMF) was higher as a function of soil-properties than of Bt toxin content. There was not a significant reduction found in the mortality and fecundity of Enchytraeus albidus test-organisms in soil amended with biomass of Bt or non-Bt corn. Nevertheless, some of the measured parameters of E. albidus were generally lower in case of Bt-amended soil. No statistically reliable differences were observed in the feeding-activity of soil edaphon, although generally a lower consumption level of Bt leaf-powder was observed. Besides these discrepancies a slight reduction in the decomposition rate of Bt corn leaves seemed to be also realised. Results of the soil- and rhizobiological investigations are used and tools are being currently developed for a reliable risk assessment of GMO plants.

NATIONAL CENTRE OF ORGANIC FARMING

Proforma of application for Subscription of Newsletter/ Change in Mailing AddressTo, The Director, National Centre of Organic Farming, Hapur Road, Near CBI Academy, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad-201 002. Subject : Request for Subscription of Newsletter/ Change in mailing address Subs. No. : _____________________ (if request is for change in mailing address). Sir, I wish to subscribed Biofertiliser Newsletter (BFNL – Half Yearly)/ Organic FarQuarterly) being published by your organization. Kindly include the following address in your mailing list for the subscription of aforesaid newsletter(s). Name : ________________________________________________________________ Designation : ___________________________________________________________ Office/Residence address : ________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ District : ______________________________________Pincode _________________ State : ________________________________________________________________ Telephone No. (Office)___________________________ (Resi) __________________ Fax No.: ________________________________ E-mail : ______________________ Field of Interest/work : __________________________________________________ Date : ______________ Place : ______________



Microbe : The future Biofertilizers An approach for Green agriculture with Microbes Book language: English Short text : The book " Microbe: The future biofertilizers" is the work done during D.Phil. The book emphasize to step towards the use of microbes as biofertilizers in the form of PGPR or PSM. This book encloses the information how the application of microbes isolated from the soil can be helpful to us in saving our environment by reducing the application of chemical fertilizer in soil during agriculture especially in wheat crop. Thus, their association can help farmers in cost-effective agriculture. Thus it can be considered an initiative towards green and organic agriculture. Author : Shruti Agarawal Number of pages : 120 Published on : 2012-07-04 Category : Microbiology. Pesticide Resistant microorganisms and their use as Biofertilizers Pesticide resistant microorganisms as biofertilizers Short text : In the past four decades, the tremendous increase of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilization in addition to the introduction of highly productive agricultural systems has led to a remarkable increase in crop production. The increasing use of chemical fertilizers, however, has also led to environmental problems. To overcome these problems, certain microorganisms such as Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) provide sustainable solutions for present

and future agricultural practices. However, the need to increase agricultural production has also led to an increased use of pesticides. Chemical pesticides have numerous side effects. They affect non-target organisms such as PGPR, thus reducing the efficacy of biofertilizers. Inactivation of nitrogen fixing and phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms has been observed in pesticide contaminated soils. Hence, this project aimed at using pesticide resistant microorganisms as biofertilizers, so that enhanced plant growth is obtained even in fields that have been treated with pesticides. Author : Aditi PrabhuSavanta Raut Number of pages : 172 Published on: 2012-05-16 Category : Agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fishery, nutrition Biofertilizers - As a component for better soil health and agricultural sustainability. Book language: English Short text : The green revolution brought impressive gains in food production but with insufficient concern for sustainability. Dependence on chemical fertilizers for future agricultural growth would mean further loss in soil quality, possibilities of water contamination and unsustainable burden on the fiscal system Both the over- and under application of fertilizer and the poor management of resources have damaged the environment. Because agriculture is a soil-based industry that extracts nutrients from the soil, effective and efficient approaches to slowing that removal and returning nutrients to the soil will be required in order to maintain and

Books may be readBooks may be readBooks may be readBooks may be read



increase crop productivity and sustain agriculture for the long term. Biofertilizers play a very significant role in improving soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, both, in association with plant roots and without it, solubilise insoluble soil phosphates and produces plant growth substances in the soil. They are in fact being promoted to harvest the naturally available, biological system of nutrient mobilization.This book should be useful to researchers, students and farming community. Author : Babu Lal Dudwal Number of pages : 68 Published on: 2012-10-18 Category : Biofertiliser, Organic Agriculture Handbook of Microbial Biofertilizers Mahendra Rai (Editor) Sharply focused, up-to-date information on microbial biofertilizers — including emerging options such as Piriformospora indica and Matsutake The Handbook of Microbial Biofertilizers provides in-depth coverage of all major microbial biofertilizers (rhizobia, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and cyanobacteriaas well as new and emerging growth promoters (endophytes). It examines the role of microbes in growth promotion, bioprotectors, and bioremidiators, and presents protocols and practical strategies for using microbes in sustainable agriculture. An abundance of helpful charts, tables, and figures make complex information easy to access and understand. In this first-of-its-kind volume, contributors from 11 countries and several continents address important issues surrounding microbial biofertilizers. Organic Inputs under Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) 1985:

With the steep rise in production and use of organic inputs their quality has become a focal point in the eyes of policy framers to ensure their desired effect in the fields. Potassium Mobilising Bacteria (KMB) Sl No

Particulars Specifications

1 Base Carrier based in the form of powder or granules or liquid based

2 Viable Cell Count

5x107 CFUs /g of powder/granules or 1x108 CFUs /ml

3 Contamination

Nil at 10-5 serial dilution

4 pH 6.5 – 7.5 for powder/granules and 5.0 – 7.5 for liquid based

5 Particle size in powder based

Should pass through 0.15 – 0.212 mm IS sieve

6 Moisture % by weight in powder based

30 – 40

7 Efficiency Character

Miniumum 10 mm solublization zone in prescribed media having at least 3 mm thickness.

Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria (ZSB) Sl. No

Particulars Specifications

1 Base Carrier based in the form of powder or granules or liquid based

2 Viable Cell Count

5x107 CFUs /g of powder/granules or 1x108 CFUs /ml

3 Contamination Nil at 10-5 serial dilution 4 pH 6.5 – 7.5 for

powder/granules and 5.0 – 7.5 for liquid based

5 Particle size in powder based

Should pass through 0.15 – 0.212 mm IS sieve

6 Moisture % by weight in powder based

30 – 40

7 Efficiency Miniumum 10 mm



Character solublization zone in prescribed media having at least 3 mm thickness.

As a number of products under the umbrella of organic are flourishing in the market, it is essential to demark their identity in terms of Fertilizer Control Order 1985. Policy framers are serious on this issue and have been trying to solve the core issues on quality control of organic inputs by bringing them under FCO 1985 from time to time. For first time organic

inputs were brought under FCO purview in the year 2006. Since then the FCO 1985 has been amended four times bringing some more organic inputs under FCO purview. Recently the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), Ministry of Agriculture included the following organic inputs in the FCO. Their parameters and standards fixed are depicted here under beside a communication issued by DAC to all states Secretaries of Agriculture to implement the up to date amendments of FCO 1985 on organic inputs.

Biofertilizer Production in India during the period from 2008-09 to 2011-12

S. No. State Production of Biofertilizers in MT

2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

1 Andhra Pradesh 168.136 1345.28 999.60 1126.35 2 Arunachal Pradesh - - - - 3 Assam 129.3552 121.04 130.00 68.33 4 Bihar - - 136.26 75.00 5 Chhatishgarh - - - 276.34

6 Delhi 1165.1 1021.85 1205.00 1617.00 7 Gujarat 1149.695 1309.19 6318.00 2037.35 8 Goa - 0 443.40 0 9 Haryana 14.25 6.195 6.53 914.41

10 Himachal Pradesh - 8.5 9.00 1.29 11 Jharkhand 15.0 15.0 0.00 8.38 12 Karnataka 11921.057 3695.5 6930.00 5760.32 13 Kerala 1187.001 1936.451 3257.00 904.17 14 Madhya Pradesh 848.448 1587.6775 2455.57 2309.06 15 Maharashtra 1249.87 1861.33 2924.00 8743.69 16 Manipur - - - - 17 Mizoram 1.996 2.5 2.00 - 18 Meghalaya - - 0.00 - 19 Nagaland 16.0092 18.25 21.50 13.00 20 Orissa 405.03 289.867 357.66 590.12 21 Punjab 1.14 301.232 2.50 692.22

22 Pondicherry 561.7924 452.79 783.00 509.45

23 Rajasthan 353.67 805.571 819.75 199.78 24 Sikkim - - - - 25 Tamil Nadu 4687.818 3732.5862 8691.00 3373.81 26 Tripura 14.68 278.402 850.00 1542.85 27 Uttar Pradesh 885.5174 962.6417 1217.45 8695.08 28 Uttarakhand 48.23 32.00 45.00 263.01 29 West Bengal 241.24 256.5 393.39 603.20

Total 25065.0352 20040.3534 37997.61 40324.21

Source: Compiled by NCOF (Data as provided by Production Units / State Governments)

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