IIT Bombay Researchers Identify Bacteria That Consume Toxic Pollutants and Boost Crop Yield
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have identified a group of bacteria that not only consume toxic pollutants in soil but also enhance crop growth and yield. This remarkable discovery could provide a natural solution to the ongoing issue of soil contamination caused by harmful pesticides and industrial by-products, which have been a major challenge for the agriculture industry.
The team, led by Professor Prashant Phale from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, conducted a study recently published in the journal Environmental Technology & Innovation. The researchers focused on bacteria that feed on toxic chemicals and pollutants, specifically organic pollutants in the soil. The pollutants, often aromatic compounds like carbaryl, naphthalene, and phthalates, are widely used in the formulation of pesticides, as well as in various industries such as textiles, plastics, and food preservation. These compounds are toxic and can have detrimental effects on plant growth by inhibiting seed germination and reducing yield. Additionally, they can accumulate in seeds and plant biomass, creating long-term challenges for food security.
Traditional methods of detoxifying contaminated soil, such as chemical treatments or soil removal, often prove to be expensive and ineffective in addressing the root of the problem. To overcome these limitations, IIT Bombay's researchers identified bacteria from toxic environments, particularly from contaminated soils and agricultural fields. The bacteria, belonging to the Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter genera, demonstrated the ability to break down harmful aromatic compounds into simpler, non-toxic substances, effectively "cleaning" the soil.
Moreover, these bacteria serve a dual purpose. In addition to removing pollutants, they also enhance the bioavailability of essential nutrients like phosphorus and potassium, which are typically insoluble and not easily accessible to plants. These bacteria convert these nutrients into soluble forms, making them readily available for absorption by plants. The bacteria also produce siderophores, which help plants absorb iron from the soil, especially in environments with nutrient limitations.
One of the most groundbreaking findings of the study was that these bacteria produce indoleacetic acid (IAA), a growth hormone that significantly boosts plant health. This hormone plays a crucial role in promoting root development and overall plant growth. As a result, when used in combination, these bacteria not only help detoxify the soil but also act as natural fertilizers, improving soil health and increasing crop productivity.
The research team also found that using a mixture of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter bacteria together can lead to crop yield increases of up to 45-50% in a variety of crops, including wheat, mung bean, spinach, and fenugreek. By combining these bacteria, the team has created a cooperative "team" that can efficiently tackle multiple tasks—cleaning the soil, promoting plant growth, and defending against plant diseases.
Follow PlanEdu for more updates!!
