Faster screening of natural growth boost for staple food crops (IMAGE)
Caption
Researchers found a much faster way to screen soil bacteria as potential biostimulants and bio-pesticides. Prof Ian Dubery (Left) and Dr Msizi Mhlongo (Right) from the University of Johannesburg identified ten times more signal compounds from the bacteria, compared to most recent studies. Rhizobacteria can help protect crops from abiotic and biotic stresses, by boosting plant growth and plant self-defence. Farmers apply the bacteria as seed coatings or inoculants. 'Biologicals' can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
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Photo by Therese van Wyk, University of Johannesburg.
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