Harnessing microbial volatiles to replace pesticides and fertilizers

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Birkett, M. A., Withall, D. and Thomas, G. 2020. Harnessing microbial volatiles to replace pesticides and fertilizers. Microbial Biotechnology. 13 (5), pp. 1366-1376. https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.13645

AuthorsBirkett, M. A., Withall, D. and Thomas, G.
Abstract

Global agricultural systems are under increasing pressure to deliver sufficient, healthy food for a growing population. Seasonal inputs, including synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, are applied to reduce losses by pathogens, and enhance crop biomass, although their production and application can also incur several economic and environmental penalties. New solutions are therefore urgently required to enhance crop yield whilst reducing dependence on these seasonal inputs. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) produced by soil microorganisms may provide alternative solutions, due to their ability to inhibit fungal pathogens, induce plant resistance against pathogens, and enhance plant growth promotion. This review will highlight recent advances in our understanding of these biological activities of microbial VOCs (mVOCs), providing perspectives on research required to develop them into viable alternatives to current unsustainable seasonal inputs. This can identify potential new avenues for mVOC research and stimulate discussion across the academic community 25 and agri-business sector.

Year of Publication2020
JournalMicrobial Biotechnology
Journal citation13 (5), pp. 1366-1376
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.13645
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
FunderBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Funder project or codeBBSRC Strategic Programme in Smart Crop Protection
Publisher's version
Accepted author manuscript
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online07 Aug 2020
Publication process dates
Accepted19 Jul 2020
PublisherWiley
ISSN1751-7915

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