Unleashing Immense Potential of Biotechnology & Biologicals

By Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder & CEO, BioPrime Agrisolutions

In a rapidly growing and urbanising India, a sustained agricultural growth and food security must be factored. Biotechnology holds great promise for enhancing crop resilience and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. One particularly promising approach gaining traction in recent years is the development of microbe–plant interactions for plant‐growth promotion and disease control. The interaction of plants and microbes forms an integral part of the Earth’s ecosystem and have applications in various fields. Studying and harnessing this communication can improve our understanding of natural phenomena that affect our daily lives and enable us to adopt practices that lead to sustainable resource utilisation, reduced environmental impact, pollution cleanup, and even influence on global atmospheric gases.

The connection between the plants and microbes is highly complex, regulated by specialised metabolic products that alter gene expression. This intricate relationship can result in plant growth, inhibition of soil pathogens, improved nutrient availability, biofilm development, accumulation of soil microbes, or a combination of these effects. Such interactions eliminate the need for artificial fertilisers that can contribute to pollution. Utilising these interactions in biotechnology offers numerous advantages. By employing naturally occurring plant-microbe pairings for plant development and biocontrol, the reliance on synthetic fertilisers and pesticide treatments can be minimised. Technologies involving plant–microbe interactions provide economically viable and environmentally sound alternatives to conventional processes. The mutualistic nature of these interactions enables plants to directly acquire nutrients (acting as biofertilisers) or facilitates the uptake of substances like iron or phosphate, making them more accessible to plants.

Leveraging Biological Agents

Microbials, which encompass naturally occurring microorganisms and their byproducts, provide sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to address climate-related stressors in crops. These biological agents work in harmony with nature, promoting plant health, improving nutrient uptake, and combating diseases and pests. By harnessing the power of biologicals, farmers can enhance the resilience of their crops, ensuring sustainable and consistent yields even in challenging climates.

Deploying Biostimulants

Biostimulants, derived from natural sources such as seaweed extracts, humic acids, and beneficial microbes, play a crucial role in strengthening crop health and resilience. These substances stimulate plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake efficiency, and improve stress tolerance. By incorporating biostimulants through biologicals, farmers can fortify their crops against drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, ultimately leading to improved yields.

Using Abscisic Acid

Small molecules play a critical role in plant physiology and have been leveraged to enhance crop resilience. Notable examples include the use of abscisic acid (ABA) and proline, which are small molecules involved in plant stress responses. ABA is known to regulate stomatal closure, reducing water loss through transpiration and improving drought tolerance. In a study conducted by Smith et al. (2021), maize plants treated with exogenous ABA showed a 35 per cent reduction in water loss, enhancing their ability to withstand drought stress.

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By Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-Founder & CEO,