Bacteria that improve crop production
Microorganisms both protect and promote growth in crops. Field tests in the research programme MASE have been successful with everything from cabbage to peas and dill.
Increased yields and less need for artificial fertilizer and pesticides: this is the driving force behind Mistra´s research programme MASE — Microbial Activity for a Sound Environment. By treating seeds with microorganisms MASE researchers have succeeded in achieving larger harvests with the same quantity of inputs (compared to chemical pesticides and fertilizer). “Large-scale field tests with peas were carried out during the summer. Just like last year, these tests produced larger yields. Using bacteria treatments we have achieved as good or better effects on Ascochyta leaf and pod spot than with standard chemical treatments," says Sara Ragnarsson, responsible for MASE field tests. Increased yields
And even though this year's results are not fully analyzed yet, the researchers can already see that the tests with spinach have produced a larger number of plants and increased yields.
Root treatments
“We have also performed tests with bacteria that stimulate growth during the summer. With cabbage and iceberg lettuce we have tested root treatments where the entire root system is dipped in a bacteria solution. For potted lettuce, the bacteria solution has been added to the soil in the pot using a pipette," says Sara Ragnarsson.
The programme has applied to the Swedish Chemical Agency for a permit to implement large-scale field tests next year. These experiments are intended to check whether everything — from treatment to planting and harvest — works on a large scale. “A number of field tests with different crops — in addition to those being carried out within the MASE programme — will be required to apply to the Swedish Chemical Agency for approval to use the products we are developing," says Ragnarsson.
