Nature's approach to crop
management
Germain’s Technology Group
Naturally
occurring beneficial microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) occupy
a niche segment in the total crop protection and enhancements
markets - both to defend against pest and disease attack, as
well to promote crop growth. The rationale underpinning the use
of such tools can be diverse:
 Environmental
concerns and pressures on agrochemical uses
The sustained use
of synthetic chemistry can impact crop rotation options, and,
over time, create environmental problems. Beneficial
microorganisms can replace or reduce agrochemical uses, in
complementary strategies for conventional integrated crop
management systems.
Gaps in the armoury
Synthetic
chemistry delivers a substantial part of the crop protection and
crop nutrition market. However, gaps in the portfolio can occur.
In minor crops such gaps can remain unfilled due to the small
economic size of the potential market and the great costs of
approvals for new agrochemicals. Alternative strategies
involving beneficial microorganisms have been developed to fill
these openings.
 Organic
cropping systems
The growth of
organic cropping brings its own set of challenges in crop
establishment. Renewable, safe and effective bio-control or
bio-nutrition agents are an acceptable solution to alleviate or
solve these problems. |
