Key Facts About Pantoea Tagorei

Context:

Researchers at Visva-Bharati University have discovered a new species of bacteria that could transform agricultural practices. They named it Pantoea Tagorei after the famous Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

Relevance:

GS III: Species in News

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Facts About Pantoea Tagorei
2. Biofertilizer

Key Facts About Pantoea Tagorei

Taxonomic Classification:

• Pantoea Tagorei belongs to the genus Pantoea.
• It is classified under the Enterobacteriaceae family.

Wide Environmental Presence:

• Pantoea bacteria, including Pantoea Tagorei, can be found in various environments such as water, soil, humans, animals, and plants.

Plant Growth-Promoting Characteristics:

• Described as a plant growth-promoting bacteria, Pantoea Tagorei has demonstrated significant capabilities in enhancing crop cultivation, particularly in crops like paddy, pea, and chilli.

Nutrient Extraction and Solubilization:

• The bacteria efficiently extracts potassium from the soil, contributing to enhanced plant growth.
• It facilitates the solubilization of both potassium and phosphorus, engages in nitrogen fixation, and increases overall nutrient availability for plants.

Impact on Crop Yield and Food Security:

• Positive effects on plant growth suggest the potential for increased crop yield.
• The bacteria’s abilities can contribute to addressing critical issues related to food security.

Sustainable Agriculture and Biofertilizer Potential:

• Pantoea Tagorei enhances soil nutrient availability, potentially reducing the dependency on commercial fertilizers.
• By minimizing reliance on traditional fertilizers, the bacteria offers a cost-effective approach to sustainable agriculture, positioning it as a potential biofertilizer.

Biofertilizer

Biofertilizer refers to biological products containing living microorganisms that, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, promote growth through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include increasing nutrient supply, enhancing root biomass or area, and improving the nutrient uptake capacity of plants.

Composition:

• Biofertilizers are composed of living organisms, including bacteria, blue-green algae, and mycorrhizal fungi.

Examples of Biofertilizers:

• Bacterial Biofertilizers:
  • Rhizobium
  • Azospirilium
  • Azotobacter
  • Phosphobacteria
• Fungal Biofertilizers:
  • Mycorrhiza
• Algal Biofertilizers:
  • Blue Green Algae (BGA)
  • Azolla

-Source: The Hindu