Agricultural Microbiology

Agricultural microbiology is the study of microorganisms that are associated with agriculture, including those involved in plant growth, soil fertility, and the suppression or spread of plant and animal diseases.
The discipline investigates the roles of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, protozoa, and viruses in processes such as nitrogen fixation, organic matter decomposition, and nutrient cycling, which are critical to sustainable crop production.
It emphasizes the symbiotic relationships between beneficial microbes and plants, for example the association of nitrogen-fixing bacteria with leguminous plants and mycorrhizal fungi with various crops, enhancing nutrient uptake and plant resilience.
Historical developments in agricultural microbiology trace back to the pioneering observations of microorganisms by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek and were later advanced by scientists such as Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch, Sergei Winogradsky, and Martinus Beijerinck who established the roles of microbes in soil chemistry and plant pathology.
The field also encompasses the study of microbial interactions in the rhizosphere and phyllosphere, with current research utilizing molecular techniques like metagenomics to characterize complex microbial communities and their impacts on plant health and soil quality.
Agricultural microbiology plays a crucial role in developing biofertilizers and biopesticides as alternatives to chemical inputs, thereby reducing environmental pollution and enhancing sustainable farming practices.
Its applications extend to plant disease diagnosis and management, where understanding microbial dynamics helps in predicting outbreaks and formulating integrated pest management strategies.
Advances in the field have led to innovations that improve soil structure, increase crop yield, and reduce production costs, all of which are vital for ensuring global food security in the face of changing climatic conditions and growing populations.

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) – Life Cycle, Symptoms, Vector, Management

Last Updated April 16, 2025 0 revisions 20 min readby Sourav Pan

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV) - Structure, Symptoms, Management

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV), caused by the pathogen Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus, is a devastating threat to global agriculture, particularly affecting crops like tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. Recognized by its scientific name in research, this virus spreads rapidly through thrips, its primary insect vector, making tomato spotted wilt virus transmission a major concern for farmers. Early identification of tomato spotted wilt virus … Read more

Rhizosphere – Definition, Microflora, Structure, Importance

Published on March 21, 2025 22 min readby MN Editors

The rhizosphere is the narrow zone of soil that surrounds plant roots, acting as a bustling hub of biological and chemical activity. Imagine it as a dynamic marketplace where roots, microbes, and soil particles constantly interact. Plants release a mix of sugars, acids, and other organic compounds through their roots—a process often called “root exudation.” … Read more

Dutch elm disease (DED) – Cause, Lifecycle, Spread, Management

Published on March 19, 2025 11 min readby Sourav Pan

What is Dutch elm disease (DED)? Dutch elm disease, often called DED, is a nasty problem for elm trees. It’s caused by a type of fungus that gets carried around by tiny beetles. When these beetles munch on healthy trees, they leave behind fungal spores that grow inside the tree’s veins—the parts that move water … Read more

Fusarium Wilt – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis

Published on March 17, 2025 9 min readby Sourav Pan

What is Fusarium Wilt? Fusarium wilt is a plant disease that’s been giving gardeners and farmers headaches for ages. It’s caused by a sneaky soil-dwelling fungus called Fusarium oxysporum, which basically invades a plant’s roots and starts clogging up its internal plumbing. Imagine the plant’s vascular system—the tiny tubes that move water and nutrients—getting blocked by … Read more

Agrobacterium-Mediated Gene Transfer – Mechanism, Applications, Advantages

Last Updated March 17, 2024 0 revisions 23 min readby BNO Team

What is Agrobacterium? Agrobacterium-mediated Gene Transfer Factors affecting Agrobacterium-mediated Gene Transfer Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer is a widely used technique for introducing foreign DNA into plants. However, successful gene transfer depends on several factors, including: Why transform plants using Agrobacterium? Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer is a preferred method for transforming plants for several reasons: Overall, Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer is a … Read more

Organic Waste Recycling – Definition, Characteristics, Methods, Steps, Significance

Last Updated March 17, 2024 0 revisions 15 min readby BNO Team

Organic waste adds to greenhouse gas emissions, soil and water contamination, and other environmental problems. Composting, anaerobic digestion, and vermicomposting are among the methods that can be used to manage organic waste. What is Organic waste? Organic waste refers to any waste material that originates from living organisms or their byproducts. This waste can be … Read more

Microbial Degradation of Lignin – Microorganisms, Enzymes, Steps, Mechanisms, Challenges

Last Updated March 17, 2024 0 revisions 21 min readby BNO Team

What is lignin? Structure of lignin Biological function of lignin Factors affecting lignin degradation The degradation of lignin is influenced by a variety of factors. Some of the important factors that affect lignin degradation are: Lignin-degradating Microorganisms The biological breakdown of lignin is an extremely crucial component of the intricate carbon and oxygen cycle that … Read more

Microbial degradation of cellulose – Enzymes, Steps, Mechanisms

Last Updated March 17, 2024 0 revisions 25 min readby BNO Team

What is cellulose? (C6H10O5)n Cellulose Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass 162.1406 g/mol Density 1.5 g/cm³ Appears White powder Melting Point 260–270 °C Properties of cellulose Structure of cellulose Commercial applications of cellulose What are cellulases? Factors affecting cellulose degradation Microorganisms involved in cellulose degradation/cellulolytic microorganisms Cellulose degradation is primarily carried out by cellulolytic microorganisms, which are … Read more

Phyllosphere Microorganisms – Examples, Factors, Effects

Last Updated March 17, 2024 0 revisions 31 min readby BNO Team

In microbiology, the phyllosphere is the complete above-ground plant surface seen as a microorganism habitat. Other subdivisions of the phyllosphere include the caulosphere (stems), phylloplane (leaves), anthosphere (flowers), and carposphere (roots) (fruits). The rhizosphere and laimosphere are the below-ground microbial habitats (i.e., the thin volume of soil surrounding root or subterranean stem surfaces). The majority … Read more

Soil Formation (Pedogenesis)- Definition, Factors, Process, Steps, Examples

Last Updated March 17, 2024 0 revisions 24 min readby BNO Team

Definition of Soil Formation The process through which soil grows over time from weathered rock, organic matter, and other components in the environment is known as soil formation. This process involves the interaction of physical, chemical, and biological processes that transform basic materials into a complex, living environment that supports the growth of plants and … Read more