Question

Choose any three microbes, from the following which are suited for organic farming which is in great demand these days for various reasons. Mention one application of each one chosen.

Mycorrhiza, Monascus, Anabaena, Rhizobium, Methanobacterium, Trichoderma.

Answer 1

Following three microbes can be chosen for organic farming:

1. Mycorrhiza: It forms a symbiotic association with plant roots and helps the plant absorb phosphorus and other minerals. It also increases plant growth, drought tolerance, and resistance to root-borne diseases.
2. Anabaena: A nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium used in paddy fields. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen and acts as a biofertiliser, improving soil fertility.
3. Rhizobium: Lives in root nodules of leguminous plants and fixes atmospheric nitrogen into organic forms that plants can use, enriching soil nitrogen.
4. Monascus: Produces statins, a group of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in the human body.
5. Methanobacterium: Used in anaerobic digestion for the production of methane. It plays a key role in biogas generation.
6. Trichoderma: A fungal biocontrol agent that protects plants by suppressing soil-borne pathogens and improving plant health.