Latest news with #Bacillussubtilis
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Waging a war on chemicals with an invisible army
SIDDIPET: Industrial agriculture's addiction to monocultures and pesticides has left farms sterile and ecosystems broken. However, in Pedda Masanpally village of Thogutta mandal, an invisible army of microbes is waging war against crop diseases. Led by agricultural officers, this eco-friendly battalion is rewriting the rules of farming, proving that soil health and pest control need not come from a chemical bottle. Speaking to TNIE, agricultural extension officer T Nagarjun says, 'We can enhance crop health by using pheromone traps, sticky traps and light traps to monitor pest populations and assess the Economic Threshold Level (ETL). These tools help identify pest build-up before the infestation causes significant yield loss. Nagarjun has been promoting the use of biocontrol agents and biofertilisers among farmers. Twenty such specimens have been displayed at the Rythu Vedhika, and field demonstrations are being carried out to showcase their benefits. Demonstrations were recently held at the field of Anil Reddy in Pedda Masanpally village of Thogutta mandal, focusing on tomato, chilli and brinjal crops. 'We replaced chemical fertilisers with biofertilisers: Azotobacter for nitrogen, phosphorus-solubilising bacteria for phosphorus, potash-solubilising bacteria for potassium and zinc-solubilising bacteria for zinc. These microbes naturally boost soil fertility and reduce dependence on synthetic inputs,' explains Nagarjun. To control plant diseases, microbial agents such as Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas and Bacillus subtilis were used. These microbes possess antagonistic properties and suppress pathogens either through enzymatic action or antibiotic production, he adds. For managing sucking pests like thrips, whiteflies and jassids, biocontrol fungi such as Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii and Isaria were employed. To combat caterpillars, borers and leaf miners, the team used Metarhizium and Bacillus thuringiensis. 'We also introduced other biocontrol agents like Nomuraea and Bacillus subtilis, which strengthen the plant's immune system, making it more disease-resistant. This eco-friendly and sustainable approach helps reduce soil and water pollution, preserves beneficial organisms and improves long-term soil health,' mentions Nagarjun. He adds that the response from the farming community has been encouraging. 'These microbial solutions are emerging as viable alternatives to chemical pesticides and fertilisers.'
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Sustainable farming: Pests drop to zero in chilli, tomato crops after adoption of biocontrol agents
SIDDIPET In a move aimed at encouraging sustainable farming, Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO) of Yellareddypet cluster in Siddipet district T. Nagarjun has introduced biocontrol agents and biofertilisers to promote eco-friendly pest and nutrient management methods. The AEO recently organised demonstrations at Rythu Vedhika and on the field of farmer Ilapuram Anil Reddy in Pedda Masanpally village of Thoguta Mandal. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Nagarjun emphasised that not all pest problems require chemical solutions. 'The overuse of pesticides has not only reduced biodiversity but also led to frequent pest outbreaks due to monoculture practices. Monitoring tools like pheromone, sticky traps, and light traps help detect pest thresholds before crop losses occur,' he said. During the field demonstrations, biocontrol techniques were applied to tomato, chilli, and brinjal crops. Chemical fertilisers were replaced with biofertilisers including Azotobacter (for nitrogen), phosphorus and potash-solubilising bacteria, and zinc-solubilising bacteria — microorganisms that naturally enhance soil fertility and reduce the dependency on synthetic inputs. To control plant diseases, microbial agents such as Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus subtilis were used. These microbes exhibit antagonistic activity by inhibiting plant pathogens through enzymes and antibiotics. For managing sucking pests like thrips, whiteflies, and jassids, farmers employed biopesticides including Beauveria bassiana, Verticillium lecanii, and Isaria. Insect pests such as caterpillars, borers, and leaf miners were tackled using Metarhizium and Bacillus thuringiensis. Other beneficial microbes, such as Nomuraea and Bacillus subtilis, were also introduced to bolster plant immunity and resilience. 'These eco-friendly methods reduce pollution, conserve soil biodiversity, and improve long-term soil health,' Mr. Nagarjun said. Farmer Anil Reddy reported significant benefits from the initiative. 'Pests in tomato and chilli crops were eliminated, though a few were still seen in brinjal. The bio-inputs we received from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Medak, helped us save around ₹5,000 on fertilisers and pesticides,' said Mr. Reddy, who cultivates crops on half an acre (20 guntas) of land. He is also using modern farming methods like use of mulching sheets to check the weed in the field and is anticipating a good yield.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Surprising Food That's Good for Your Gut, According to Gastroenterologists
You may already know the basics when it comes to eating for optimalgut health. You integrate greens and cruciferous vegetables in your meals to make sure you're eating enough high-fiber foods and stock your fridge with probiotic yogurt and kimchi. But even if you know the basics, you may be missing out on some less obvious foods that are not only delicious but amazing for gut health. We asked gastroenterologists what some surprising foods for gut health are and they highlighted one in particular that's not only super versatile but it also supports bone health and heart health. Keep reading to find out what it is. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 If prioritizing gut health through what you eat is new to you, Dr. Pratima Dibba, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to Labfinder, says to think of some high-fiber foods you can start integrating into your meals, such as fruits and vegetables. By incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, you'll be majorly supporting your digestive system. 'High-fiber foods are beneficial in multiple ways, particularly in the prevention of colon polyps and possibly colon cancer,' she says. Related: Dr. Dibba says that prebiotic and probiotic foods are also beneficial for gut health, sharing, 'Foods containing prebiotics and probiotics include fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt and kefir."She explains that while prebiotics and probiotics need to be studied further, there may be non-specific benefits in terms of gastrointestinal symptoms and certain disorders. For example, scientific research shows that a diet that includes probiotic foods is associated with a decreased risk of many diseases, including some forms of cancer, irritable bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Being mindful of how you season your food can also support gut health. Dr. Dibba says that ginger and peppermint are two herbs that have been found to support gut health and are tolerated well by most people. Related: One food that Dr. Daksesh Patel, DO, a gastroenterologist of GI Alliance of Illinois, says many people don't know is good for gut health is natto, a traditional Japanese fermented soybean dish. Dr. Patel explains that natto is high in fiber and also contains probiotics, specifically Bacillus subtilis, which promote a healthy gut microbiome by increasing a beneficial bacteria called Bifidobacterium. He says the combination of high fiber and probiotics in this food supports digestion, colon health and lowers inflammation.'Natto can be particularly beneficial for individuals with digestive issues like bloating, constipation or inflammatory bowel diseases because its probiotics and fiber help regulate gut function,' Dr. Patel says. He adds that people with metabolic disorders such as diabetes or obesity may also benefit from incorporating natto into their diet due to its ability to improve gut microbiota and reduce inflammation. Related: Natto isn't just beneficial for gut health. Dr. Patel says that due to its vitamin K2 content, it also supports bone health and heart health. The high fiber content in natto is another reason why it's a heart-healthy food. Scientific research shows that a diet high in fiber is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. According to Dr. Patel, part of what makes natto such a great food for gut health is how versatile it is. While it may not be something you've heard of, natto can be purchased at most major grocery stories! He says that some ways to use natto include adding it to steamed rice alongside miso soup and pickled vegetables, using it as a filling in sushi rolls, as a topping for noodles like udon or ramen, or pairing it with other fermented foods, such as kimchi. Natto isn't the only surprising food that supports gut health. Dr. Andrew Boxer, MD, a gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey, says that many people don't know that kiwi is majorly good for the gut. 'Kiwi is an underrated powerhouse for gut health. While many people think of yogurt or fiber supplements, kiwi is a natural digestive aid that deserves more attention,' he says. Dr. Boxer explains that the reason why kiwi is so beneficial for gut health is that it's rich in soluble fiber, which promotes regularity without excessive bloating. 'It also contains actinidin, an enzyme that helps break down proteins, making digestion smoother,' he says. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, Dr. Boxer says it can be especially beneficial to integrate kiwi into your diet because the fruit can help improve stool consistency and frequency. He adds that people who deal with constipation regularly or sluggish digestion (which is more common with age) can also benefit from adding kiwi to their diet. While kiwi tastes delicious on its own, Dr. Boxer says that some ways of integrating the fruit into your meals include using it in smoothies and topping off your yogurt or oatmeal with it. Whether you want to experiment with natto, eat more kiwi or simply aim to eat more fiber-rich and probiotic-rich foods, your entire body will benefit. When you support your gut, your overall health reaps the rewards. Up Next:Dr. Pratima Dibba, MD, board-certified gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to Labfinder Dr. Daksesh Patel, DO, gastroenterologist of GI Alliance of Illinois Dr. Andrew Boxer, MD, gastroenterologist at Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey
