Microbial Biocontrol agents as source of Plant Biostimulants

Plant biostimulants are substance(s) and/or micro-organisms whose function when applied to plants or the rhizosphere is to stimulate natural processes to enhance/benefit nutrient uptake, nutrient efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and crop quality (EBIC). A number of bacterial and fungal biocontrol agents that are used for the management of plant diseases and insect pest are known secrete compounds that exhibit plant biostimulant properties. In this project we propose to develop plant biostimulants from metabolites secreted by unique strains of fungal and bacterial biocontrol agents. These microbe plant biostimulants will be an important crop input to mitigate abiotic stresses caused due to climate change and to reduce chemical inputs like fertilizer and pesticides in agriculture thus promoting sustainability of agriculture.

Faculty Supervisor:

Balakrishnan Prithiviraj

Student:

Partner:

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Clean Technology; Sustainability & the Environment

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: