Summary
The management of selected microorganisms by Probelte has proven to be a comprehensive value proposition, providing resilience and efficiency in intensive crops. The combination of Probelte’s biofertilizers, bioinsecticides, and biofungicides improves plant health and productivity, contributing to microbiological balance and reducing the possibility of resistance development. During the initial growth stages, the use of Bulhnova optimizes the availability of nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium, among others, as well as atmospheric nitrogen fixation. When lepidopteran pests are present in early stages (L1-L2), Belthirul provides specific biological control without affecting beneficial organisms. Finally, for controlling fungal diseases such as Botrytis cinerea, the application of Botrybel has proven to be an effective tool from flowering onward in various horticultural crops.
Introduction
Farmers and agricultural technicians face numerous daily challenges: adjusting crop nutritional needs, protection, compliance with quality certifications, European regulations, productivity, marketing, etc. It is no longer enough to have deep knowledge of crops and agricultural techniques. Climate change, the decline in soil productivity potential, and stricter regulations, among many other factors, require innovative and effective solutions. The application of microorganisms selected by Probelte has become a comprehensive solution that enhances resilience and optimizes efficiency in intensive crops.
Integration of Microbiological Strategies in Intensive Horticultural Crops
The development of microbiological solutions such as Belthirul, Botrybel, and Bulhnova has allowed for addressing various agronomic problems sustainably. Belthirul, based on Bacillus thuringiensis PB-54, has demonstrated effectiveness in controlling lepidopteran pests through specific endotoxins (Malo et al., 2002). Botrybel, formulated with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AH2, has been validated as an active biofungicide against Botrytis cinerea, Monilinia spp., and Stemphylium spp., working by space competition, antifungal metabolite production, and activation of plant defenses (Zalila-Kolsi et al., 2023). Bulhnova, based on Azospirillum brasilense M3 and Pantoea dispersa C3, has shown positive effects in atmospheric nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and unlocking other nutrients, promoting plant growth and reducing the use of chemical fertilizers (Mengual et al., 2019; Soumare et al., 2020). This type of strategy is of vital importance in the Region of Murcia, where horticultural production is intensive and nitrate contamination in soils and aquifers is a growing problem.
Multiple trials have demonstrated the biofertilizing effect of microorganisms present in Bulhnova. Through soil analysis, the concentration of key nutrients released and mobilized by the microorganisms has been monitored: the results show an increase in the amounts assimilated by the crop in Bulhnova-treated fields (Figure 1). Foliar analyses have also shown an increase in nutrient absorption by plants, revealing a correlation between microbial activity in the soil and the response of the aerial part of the plants.
Figure 1. Results of applying Bulhnova + 50% conventional fertilization compared to 100% conventional fertilization. The table shows total results for N-P-K, as well as the breakdown according to release by bacteria, consumption by bacteria, and assimilation by the crops. The legend shows the value scale for each parameter, with 1 being the lowest level and 4 the highest.
Through metagenomic analysis of the soil microbiome, the diversity of microorganisms present before and after the application of Bulhnova biofertilizer was evaluated. This technique allowed for identifying changes in the composition of microbial communities and their functional potential (Trivedi et al., 2020). The results indicated that the microorganisms in Bulhnova contribute to increased biodiversity and greater nutrient availability in the soil.
Overexploitation and intensive agricultural techniques can deplete soils, reducing their productive capacity. Based on protocols adapted to each crop type, supported by soil and foliar analysis, Bulhnova has shown to provide advisors with a precise tool to improve soil quality in the medium and long term. Its biological nature allows for more balanced crop nutrition while reducing nitrate concentrations in soils (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Results from 6 trials conducted with Bulhnova in iceberg lettuce grown in the Mar Menor area, where we can see reductions in the concentration of nitrates in the soil compared to plots with exclusively mineral fertilization.
The use of microorganisms selected by Probelte, such as Belthirul, Botrybel, and Bulhnova, represents an integrated and sustainable solution for agronomic challenges in intensive crops. Their management enhances crop efficiency, promoting resilience and productivity through biological pest control, fungal disease management, and optimization of plant nutrition. Trial results have shown a significant improvement in nutrient availability and soil microbial biodiversity, contributing to more efficient and environmentally respectful agriculture.
References
- Malo, J., Nicolás, J. A., Fernández, A. I., & Villaverde, M. (2002). Development of a bioinsecticide based on a new isolate of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki.
- Mengual, C., & Vázquez, G. (2019). A biofertilizer to combat nitrate contamination: the case of Bulhnova. Phytoma España: La revista profesional de sanidad vegetal, (309), 64-67.
- Soumare, A., Boubekri, K., Lyamlouli, K., Hafidi, M., Ouhdouch, Y., & Kouisni, L. (2020). From the isolation of phosphate-solubilizing microbes to their formulation and use as biofertilizers: state of the art and needs. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 7, 425.
- Recommended Bibliography
- Trivedi, P., Leach, J. E., Tringe, S. G., Sa, T., & Singh, B. K. (2020). Plant-microbiome interactions: from microbial community to plant health. Nature Reviews Microbiology
