Department of Zoology,
University of Madras
Chennai, India
Vol.12 ISSUE 4 Oct. - Dec. 2014 - ISSN-0974-1550
Dear
Readers,
Contents
Greetings!
Chemical transformation in soil, in particular nutrient recycling, involves active contributions from soil microorganisms. Certain soil microorganisms such as mycorrhizal fungi can increase the availability of mineral nutrients to plants and other soil microorganisms can increase the amount of nutrients present in the soil. Such microorganisms, which contribute to plant growth, have been termed as 'biofertilizers'. Similarly, other soil microorganisms that produce compounds for the benefit of plant health are called 'phytostimulators' and they are currently studied for possible use as microbial inoculants to improve crop yield.
In contrast to beneficial soil microorganisms, large number of pathogenic microorganisms are routinely found in the soil infecting the plants. Due to the existence of antagonism, these pathogenic microorganisms can be controlled. Antagonism against plant pathogens usually involves competition for nutrients and/or production of inhibitory compounds such as secondary metabolites (antimicrobial metabolites and antibiotics) and extracellular enzymes. Besides, certain soil microorganisms produce compounds which stimulate the natural defence mechanisms of the plant and improve its resistance to pathogens. Collectively, these soil microorganisms have been termed 'biopesticides' and represent an emerging and important alternative (i.e. biological control) in the place of chemical pesticides for the protection of crops against certain pathogens and pests.
In this issue, the importance of tillage on agroecosystem and soil health, nanomaterial on plants growth and microbial sustainability, antibiotic free drug and other interesting informations on microbes and soil are included.
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