SYSTEM FOR MULTI-STRESS AGRICULTURE

Abstract

ABSTRACT “SYSTEM FOR MULTI-STRESS AGRICULTURE” The present invention provides a system for multi-stress agriculture. The present invention relates to a Streptomyces-based biofertilizer composition, particularly incorporating Streptomyces strain RC1830, which enhances soil microbial diversity, nutrient cycling, and plant tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes. The biofertilizer promotes symbiotic interactions with beneficial microorganisms, facilitating nutrient uptake through enzymatic activities and reducing dependency on synthetic fertilizers. Streptomyces strain RC1830 also produces bioactive compounds that protect plants from pathogens, enabling biological disease control. The biofertilizer further improves plant resilience by modulating stress-responsive gene expression via plant hormone pathways. Additionally, an innovative vermiculite carrier extends spore viability and shelf stability, ensuring long-term efficacy. No Figure

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of agriculture science, and more particularly, the present invention relates to the system for multi-stress agriculture.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as of the application's priority date. The details provided herein the background if belongs to any publication is taken only as a reference for describing the problems, in general terminologies or principles or both of science and technology in the associated prior art.
[0003] The utilization of Streptomyces-based biofertilizers addresses several critical challenges in modern agriculture:
[0004] Soil health: Soil degradation is a pressing issue worldwide, leading to decreased fertility and productivity. Streptomyces species contribute to soil health by enhancing nutrient cycling, improving soil structure, and promoting beneficial microbial activity.
[0005] Sustainable agriculture: Conventional agricultural practices often rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can have detrimental effects on the environment, including soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
[0006] Abiotic stress tolerance: Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes, which adversely affect crop productivity.
[0007] Biotic stress tolerance: Plant diseases caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses pose significant threats to global food security.
[0008] Increase self-life: Conventional biofertilizers often suffer from limited shelf stability, which can lead to reduced efficacy and increased costs associated with frequent reapplication. However, the innovative bioformulation of Streptomyces using vermiculite as a carrier ensures prolonged spore viability, with the potential for the biofertilizer to remain effective for more than 90 days.
Problems in existing products:
[0009] Existing commercial biofertilizers, although beneficial, often come with several disadvantages when compared to Streptomyces-based biofertilizers:
[0010] Limited Shelf Life: Many commercial biofertilizers have a relatively short storage duration, leading to reduced viability and efficacy over time. In contrast, the bioformulation of Streptomyces using vermiculite can maintain spore viability for more than 90 days, ensuring long-term effectiveness.
[0011] Susceptibility to High Salt Concentrations: Some commercial biofertilizers may be inhibited or rendered ineffective in high salt concentration areas, limiting their applicability in saline soils. In contrast, this Streptomyces strain showed activity to enhance plant tolerance to salinity stress, making them suitable for use in diverse agricultural environments, including saline soils.
[0012] Inhibition of Microbial Activity: Certain commercial biofertilizers may inadvertently inhibit the activity of beneficial soil microbes due to competition for resources or the release of allelopathic compounds. In contrast, Streptomyces-based biofertilizer demonstrated to promote symbiotic relationships with plants and beneficial microorganisms, enhancing soil fertility and ecosystem health.
[0013] Limited Nutrient Range: Some commercial biofertilizers may provide only specific nutrients, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria or phosphate-solubilizing microbes, limiting their ability to address multifaceted nutrient requirements of plants. Streptomyces species, on the other hand, produce a diverse array of secondary metabolites that can enhance nutrient uptake, improve stress tolerance, and promote overall plant growth and development.
[0014] Environmental Persistence: Commercial biofertilizers may have limited persistence in the environment, requiring frequent reapplication to maintain effectiveness. Streptomyces-based biofertilizer, with their prolonged spore viability and ability to establish symbiotic relationships with plants, offer a more sustainable solution with reduced application frequency and environmental impact.
[0015] Unavailability of multi-stress biofertilizer: The unavailability of biofertilizers tailored to address both biotic and abiotic stresses presents a significant gap in modern agricultural practices. While conventional biofertilizers often focus on enhancing nutrient uptake or promoting plant-microbe interactions, they cannot typically effectively mitigate the complex challenges posed by both biotic pathogens and abiotic stressors.
[0016] Overall, while existing commercial biofertilizers offer valuable contributions to sustainable agriculture, the advantages of Streptomyces-based biofertilizers, including extended shelf life, enhanced salt tolerance, promotion of microbial activity, and broader nutrient range, position them as promising alternatives for addressing the challenges of modern agriculture.
[0017] Several existing solutions address the challenges of biotic and abiotic stress in agriculture, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness and sustainability:
[0018] Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical methods to manage pests, diseases, and weeds in agricultural systems. By integrating pest-resistant crop varieties, habitat manipulation, biological control agents (such as predators and parasites), and judicious use of pesticides, IPM minimizes reliance on chemical inputs while maximizing crop protection and yield stability.
[0019] Biological Control Agents (BCAs): BCAs are naturally occurring organisms or their derivatives that suppress pests, pathogens, and weeds. Examples include predatory insects, parasitic nematodes, fungal pathogens (e.g., Trichoderma spp. for fungal diseases), and microbial biopesticides (e.g., Bacillus thuringiensis for insect control). BCAs offer targeted, environmentally friendly solutions to pest and disease management, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides.
[0020] Salinity Management Practices: Salinity-tolerant crops and agronomic practices, such as soil amendments (e.g., gypsum), irrigation management (e.g., drip irrigation), and drainage systems (e.g., subsurface drainage), help mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinity on crop growth and productivity. Additionally, salt-tolerant crops and halophyte species offer alternative options for cultivation in saline soils.
[0021] Soil Health Management: Practices that promote soil health, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, conservation tillage, organic amendments, and microbial inoculants (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria), enhance soil fertility, structure, and biological activity. By improving nutrient cycling, water infiltration, and soil organic matter content, these practices enhance crop resilience to abiotic stressors and reduce the incidence of soil-borne diseases.
[0022] While these solutions offer valuable contributions to sustainable agriculture, their effectiveness may vary depending on factors such as local agroecological conditions, crop species, and management practices. Integrating multiple approaches tailored to specific farming systems and environmental contexts is key to optimizing productivity, resilience, and sustainability in agriculture.
[0023] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for System for multi-stress agriculture that overcomes problems prevalent in the prior art associated with the traditionally available method or system, of the above-mentioned inventions that can be used with the presented disclosed technique with or without modification.
[0024] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies, and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a system for multi-stress agriculture.
[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture, wherein Streptomyces species enhance plant tolerance to salinity stress through osmotic regulation, ion transport modulation, and production of osmoprotectants.
[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture, wherein Streptomyces biofertilizers improve soil structure, nutrient cycling, and microbial diversity, enhancing soil health and resilience to environmental stressors.
[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture, wherein Streptomyces species produce antimicrobial compounds that suppress soil-borne pathogens, reducing disease incidence and enhancing crop health.
[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture, wherein Streptomyces biofertilizers have a prolonged shelf life, maintaining spore viability for more than 90 days, reducing product wastage and ensuring long-term efficacy.
[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture, wherein Streptomyces-based biofertilizers offer environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture that enhances plant growth and nutrient uptake leading to increased crop yields.
[0032] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture that suppresses soil-borne pathogens, reducing the incidence and severity of plant diseases.
[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture that helps plants withstand salinity stress, allowing cultivation in saline soils.
[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture that reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting environmentally friendly farming practices.
[0035] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture that improves soil structure, fertility, and microbial diversity, fostering long-term soil health and productivity.
[0036] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for multi-stress agriculture that is applicable to a wide range of agricultural systems and adaptable to diverse environmental conditions.
[0037] The foregoing and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The present invention relates to System for multi-stress agriculture.
[0039] The invention of Streptomyces-based biofertilizers offers a sophisticated solution to the multifaceted challenges encountered in contemporary agriculture:
[0040] Enhanced Soil Microbial Diversity: Streptomyces species, renowned for their prolific secondary metabolite production, significantly augment soil microbial diversity upon application. Metabolites secreted out of Streptomyces strain RC1830 serve as signaling molecules, fostering symbiotic interactions with beneficial microorganisms such as mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Consequently, soil health is bolstered through improved nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and disease suppression.
[0041] Sustainable Nutrient Cycling: Streptomyces-based biofertilizer played a pivotal role in sustainable nutrient cycling by facilitating the conversion of organic and inorganic compounds into bioavailable forms. Through enzymatic activities, such as phosphatase and cellulase production, the Streptomyces was able to solubilize complex organic matter and mineralize soil-bound nutrients, making them accessible to plants. This enhances nutrient uptake efficiency and reduces dependency on synthetic fertilizers, mitigating environmental pollution and resource depletion.
[0042] Abiotic Stress Alleviation: Streptomyces biofertilizer was able to confer salt stress tolerance to plants through intricate physiological mechanisms. These include the synthesis of osmoprotectants (e.g., proline) to maintain cellular osmotic balance under salinity stress. Additionally, Streptomyces metabolites scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby mitigating oxidative damage caused by heat and drought stress. Furthermore, these biofertilizer was able to modulate plant hormone signaling pathways, such as abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene, to regulate stress-responsive gene expression and promote stress adaptation.
[0043] Biological Disease Control: Streptomyces species are renowned for their production of a diverse array of antimicrobial compounds, including antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals. Upon colonization of plant roots and rhizosphere, Streptomyces biofertilizer suppress pathogen proliferation through various mechanisms. These include the production of lytic enzymes that degrade pathogen cell walls, the induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants, and the competition for niche colonization sites. As a result, disease incidence and severity are mitigated, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and fostering ecological balance in agroecosystems.
[0044] Multistress: The advent of Streptomyces-based biofertilizers represents a breakthrough in agricultural innovation, offering a holistic solution to combat both biotic and abiotic stresses. Harnessing the multifaceted capabilities of Streptomyces species, these biofertilizers address a wide spectrum of challenges faced by crops, including soil-borne pathogens, drought, salinity, and temperature extremes. Streptomyces strains produce a plethora of bioactive compounds, including antibiotics, antifungals, osmoprotectants, and plant growth-promoting substances, which collectively bolster plant health and resilience.
[0045] Extended Spore Viability: The innovative bioformulation of Streptomyces using vermiculite as a carrier enhances spore viability and shelf stability. Vermiculite provides a porous and nutrient-rich matrix that protects spores from desiccation and maintains metabolic activity during storage. Consequently, the biofertilizer retains efficacy for an extended period, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing product wastage.
- Innovative features of Streptomyces-based biofertilizers that contribute to their sophistication, including their salt-resistant properties:
- Incorporation of Streptomyces spores into vermiculite carrier for prolonged shelf life and enhanced efficacy.
- Production of bioactive compounds by Streptomyces species for comprehensive plant growth promotion, stress tolerance enhancement, and disease suppression.
- Promotion of soil microbial diversity, nutrient cycling, and organic matter decomposition for improved soil fertility and structure.
- Effective control of both biotic (pathogens, pests) and abiotic (drought, salinity) stresses for enhanced crop resilience.
- Osmotic regulation, ion transport modulation, and production of osmoprotectants by Streptomyces species to enhance plant tolerance to saline soils.
- Reduction of chemical inputs, environmental pollution, and soil degradation through environmentally friendly biofertilization practices.
- Prolonged spore viability for over 90 days, minimizing product wastage and ensuring long-term efficacy.
[0046] While the invention has been described and shown with reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0047] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0048] These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:
[0049] No Figure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0051] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0052] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of, "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0053] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0054] The present invention relates to System for multi-stress agriculture.
[0055] While Streptomyces-based biofertilizer offer unique advantages, alternative approaches exist to achieve similar results in addressing biotic and abiotic stresses in agriculture:
[0056] Microbial Consortia: Instead of relying solely on Streptomyces species, formulating biofertilizers with diverse microbial consortia, including other beneficial bacteria, fungi, and algae, may provide synergistic benefits. By harnessing the complementary activities of multiple microorganisms, such consortia can offer broader protection against pests, diseases, and environmental stressors while promoting soil health and plant growth.
[0057] Biostimulants: Biofertilizers can be augmented with biostimulants derived from plant extracts, seaweed extracts, or humic substances. These biostimulants contain bioactive compounds that enhance plant growth, stress tolerance, and nutrient uptake. Combining biostimulants with microbial inoculants can amplify the beneficial effects on plant health and resilience, offering a holistic approach to agricultural productivity and sustainability.
[0058] Nanoformulations: Nanoformulations of biofertilizers and biostimulants offer novel approaches to enhance nutrient delivery, stress tolerance, and crop performance. Nanoparticles can be engineered to encapsulate bioactive compounds, protect microbial inoculants, and improve their efficacy in challenging environments. Nano-enabled delivery systems provide precise control over nutrient release and uptake, maximizing the benefits for crops while minimizing environmental impacts.
[0059] The technology of Streptomyces-based biofertilizers holds significant economic potential and offers diverse commercial applications across the agricultural sector:
[0060] Increased Crop Yields: Streptomyces biofertilizers enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and disease resistance in plants, leading to increased crop yields and improved quality of harvested produce. Farmers can realize higher profits through enhanced productivity and better market value for their crops.
[0061] Reduced Input Costs: By reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, Streptomyces biofertilizers help farmers lower input costs associated with chemical purchases, application, and environmental remediation. This translates into improved profitability and cost savings for agricultural operations.
[0062] Market Demand for Sustainable Solutions: Growing consumer awareness and demand for sustainably produced food drive market opportunities for environmentally friendly agricultural inputs, including biofertilizers. Streptomyces-based biofertilizer may offer a competitive advantage in meeting this demand, positioning them for growth in the rapidly expanding market for sustainable agricultural products.
[0063] Value-Added Products and Services: Beyond biofertilizers, Streptomyces-based technologies can be leveraged to develop value-added products and services, such as microbial inoculants, soil amendments, biostimulants, and plant protection products. These offerings cater to diverse market segments and provide additional revenue streams for companies operating in the agricultural biotechnology sector.
[0064] Global Market Expansion: With agriculture being a global industry, Streptomyces biofertilizers present opportunities for market expansion and international trade. Emerging economies with large agricultural sectors and growing demand for sustainable agricultural inputs represent particularly attractive markets for commercialization and expansion efforts.
[0065] Diversification and Innovation: Streptomyces-based biofertilizers offer opportunities for diversification and innovation within the agricultural input sector. Companies can differentiate themselves in the market by offering unique formulations, tailored solutions for specific crops or environmental conditions, and value-added services such as agronomic consulting and precision agriculture technologies
[0066] The unique value proposition of Streptomyces-based biofertilizers lies in their multifaceted approach to addressing both biotic and abiotic stresses in agriculture, distinguishing them from other available solutions:
[0067] Comprehensive Stress Management: Streptomyces-based biofertilizer offer a comprehensive solution to the challenges of biotic and abiotic stresses simultaneously. While conventional solutions may focus on either pest and disease management or stress tolerance, this biofertilizer uniquely integrate multiple mechanisms to enhance plant health and resilience across diverse stressors.
[0068] Biochemical Diversity: Streptomyces RC1830 has a vast biochemical diversity, producing an extensive array of secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities. These bioactive compounds include antibiotics, antifungals, osmoprotectants, and plant growth-promoting substances, enabling biofertilizer to target multiple stress pathways and provide broad-spectrum protection against pests, diseases, and environmental stressors.
[0069] Symbiotic Relationships: Streptomyces RC1830 was able to form symbiotic relationships with plants and beneficial soil microorganisms, facilitating nutrient uptake, disease suppression, and stress tolerance. By promoting beneficial microbial communities in the rhizosphere, biofertilizers enhance soil health and ecosystem resilience, offering long-term benefits beyond immediate stress mitigation.
[0070] Extended Shelf Life: The innovative bioformulation of Streptomyces using vermiculite as a carrier ensures prolonged spore viability and shelf stability, distinguishing it from conventional biofertilizers with shorter storage durations. This extended shelf life enhances convenience, reduces product wastage, and maximizes efficacy, offering farmers a practical and cost-effective solution for sustainable agriculture.
[0071] Sustainability: Streptomyces-based biofertilizers can contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on chemical inputs, minimizing environmental pollution, and fostering soil health and ecosystem resilience. Unlike synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which may have adverse ecological and human health impacts, Streptomyces biofertilizers offer environmentally friendly alternatives that promote agricultural sustainability and food security
[0072] Economy: Additionally, the economic benefits of Streptomyces-based biofertilizers extend beyond direct savings on inputs, encompassing broader gains in yield stability, crop resilience, and market competitiveness. As a result, investments in Streptomyces biofertilizers yield favorable returns on investment, enhancing the economic viability and sustainability of agricultural production systems.
[0073] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the 5 , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1) A biofertilizer composition, the composition comprising: Streptomyces strain RC1830, wherein the biofertilizer enhances soil microbial diversity, facilitates nutrient cycling, and improves abiotic stress tolerance in plants.
2) The biofertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein Streptomyces strain RC1830 produces secondary metabolites that promote symbiotic interactions with beneficial microorganisms, including mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
3) The biofertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein Streptomyces strain RC1830 enhances nutrient cycling through enzymatic activities such as phosphatase and cellulase production, making nutrients bioavailable to plants.
4) The biofertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biofertilizer confers salt stress tolerance by synthesizing osmoprotectants and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS).

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