Researchers at Visva-Bharati University have discovered a new species of bacteria that could transform agricultural practices. They named it Pantoea Tagorei after the famous Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.
Key Facts About Pantoea Tagorei
- Pantoea Tagorei bacteria belong to the genus Pantoea, which is part of the Enterobacteriaceae family.
- Pantoea bacteria can be isolated from various environments including Water, Soil, Humans, Animals, and Plants.
- It is described as a plant growth-promoting bacteria, Pantoea Tagorei has demonstrated remarkable capabilities in boosting the cultivation of crops like paddy, pea, and chilli.
- The bacteria efficiently extracts potassium from the soil, enhancing plant growth. Additionally, it facilitates the solubilization of both potassium and phosphorus, nitrogen fixation, and enhances overall nutrient availability for plants.
- Positive effects on plant growth suggest a potential boost in crop yield. It can aid in addressing critical issues related to food security.
- Pantoea Tagorei enhances soil nutrient availability, reducing the need for commercial fertilizers.
- Minimizing reliance on fertilizers, the bacteria offers a cost-effective approach to sustainable agriculture and it can be a potential Biofertilizer.
Biofertilizer
- Biofertilizer can be defined as biological products containing living microorganisms that, when applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, promote growth by several mechanisms such as increasing the supply of nutrients, increasing root biomass or root area and increasing nutrient uptake capacity of the plant
- They are made up of living organisms like bacteria, blue-green algae, and mycorrhizal fungi.
Example
- Bacterial Biofertilizers: e.g. Rhizobium, Azospirilium, Azotobacter, Phosphobacteria.
- Fungal Biofertilizers: e.g. Mycorhiza.
- Algal Biofertilizers: e.g. Blue Green Algae (BGA) and Azolla.