Challenges in Agricultural Technology

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Questions and Answers

What are biorational products derived from?

Natural sources such as microorganisms, biochemicals, minerals, organic materials, and plant extracts

What are the two categories of biological products?

Biostimulants and biopesticides

What do biostimulants do?

Enhance plant growth and health

What is the purpose of biopesticides?

Protect against pests and pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What are beneficial microorganisms and what is their role?

Beneficial microorganisms are bacteria and fungi that form mutually beneficial relationships with plants, protecting them against pathogens, promoting growth, and improving soil structure. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a biological product that enhances nutrient uptake and improves crop growth.

Microbial inoculants containing Bacillus or Trichoderma Signup and view all the answers

How do biocontrol products protect crops?

From specific pathogens, insects, and weeds Signup and view all the answers

Why have biological products become increasingly popular?

Due to their environmental benefits and effectiveness in promoting crop productivity and resilience Signup and view all the answers

What are four examples of reasons for the need to improve the strategies of using agricultural technologies?

Development of pest resistance, limited supply of new synthetic chemical modes of action, increased grower interest in alternative products, and the need for more food to feed the increasing world population. Signup and view all the answers

Why are improved strategies and new tools essential in agriculture?

They are essential due to the development of pest resistance to pesticides, limited supply of new synthetic chemical modes of action, increased grower interest in alternative products, and the need for more food to feed the increasing world population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of recent massive investments in the agriculture industry?

The development of new biological products. Signup and view all the answers

What information does the publication provide about biological products?

It provides information about product terminologies, benefits from using biological products, and how to use the products effectively. Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of biological product categories and terminologies discussed in the publication?

The publication discusses the terms 'biological' and 'biorational' technology, which often overlap and have many synonyms. It also mentions that some biologicals are soil enhancers or growth enhancers. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main factors that led to the rapid development of agriculture in the last six decades?

Improved crop varieties, modern irrigation methods, and new chemicals including pesticides and fertilizers. Signup and view all the answers

Why is there a need to search for new tools in agriculture?

There is a need to search for new tools due to reasons such as the development of pest resistance to many pesticide modes of action, limited supply and development of new synthetic chemical modes of action, increased grower interest in using alternative products, and the need for more food to feed the ever-increasing world population. Signup and view all the answers

How do improvements in the use of biological methods fit into the needed improved strategies or new paradigm in agriculture?

Improvements in the use of biological methods fit well into the needed improved strategies or new paradigm by addressing challenges such as pest resistance, limited supply of synthetic chemicals, increased grower interest in alternative products, and the need for more food to feed the increasing world population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of biological products in insect management?

To reduce pest levels below an economic threshold. Signup and view all the answers

How are biostimulants and biofertilizers used in nutrient management?

They help to solubilize or convert nutrients in the soil into forms available to the crop, and stimulate the plant's natural physiological processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of bioherbicides in weed management?

To suppress weed growth or act as pathogens to kill or hinder the development of weeds. Signup and view all the answers

In which production systems are biologicals particularly useful?

Organic production due to limited pest management options. Signup and view all the answers

What factors make biologicals more effective when used as a component of IPIM/IPM systems?

They should be locally adaptable, beneficial to the soil-plant systems, and enhance nutrient use efficiency, among other factors. Signup and view all the answers

How is the regulation of some biologicals addressed in the industry?

Self-regulation in the industry and growing investments in research are helping to address this concern. Signup and view all the answers

What new technology is evolving to help understand the complex interactions in soil-plant systems?

Molecular technology, such as metagenomics. Signup and view all the answers

What have industry analysts projected about the growth of the biological and biorational sectors by 2020?

Growth of over 100 percent. Signup and view all the answers

What are biofungicides commonly used for in plant disease management?

Managing crop diseases caused by fungi. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plant disease management: Biofungicides are most commonly used biological products for managing crop diseases caused by fungi. Some products also target bacteria and nematodes. More information can be found in a NebGuide about biological products for plant disease management.
Insect management: Goal of biological products in insect management is to reduce pest levels below an economic threshold. Biological control relies on using natural enemies against insect pests, such as microorganisms that are pathogenic to insects. More information can be found in a Nebraska Extension NebGuide on biological control of insect and mite pests.
Nutrient management: Biostimulants and biofertilizers are biologicals used for nutrient management, helping to solubilize or convert nutrients in the soil into forms available to the crop, and stimulating the plant's natural physiological processes. Biologicals are usually applied as a pre-plant seed treatment, in-furrow, or as a foliar spray.
Weed management: Bioherbicides use certain organisms to suppress weed growth or act as pathogens to kill or hinder the development of weeds. All forms of organisms that can suppress weeds are considered biological control agents.
Compatibility of Biologicals with Chemicals: Biologicals are used in both organic and conventional production systems. They are particularly useful in organic production due to limited pest management options. In conventional production, biologicals are recommended as supplements rather than replacements for chemicals, and they should be chosen carefully for compatibility.
Integrated Pest and Input Management (IPIM/IPM) Systems: Biologicals are more effective when used as a component of IPIM/IPM systems. They should be locally adaptable, beneficial to the soil-plant systems, and enhance nutrient use efficiency, among other factors.
Regulation of Biologicals: Some biologicals are not regulated by the EPA, and little information on their efficacy may be available. Self-regulation in the industry and growing investments in research are helping to address this concern.
New Technologies: Molecular technology, such as metagenomics, is evolving to help understand the complex interactions in soil-plant systems, especially the root microbiome.
Market Direction: Major investments in the biological and biorational sectors have been noted in the last decade, with industry analysts projecting growth of over 100 percent by 2020. This indicates the importance of biological products in crop production going forward.

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Description

Explore the challenges and evolving needs in agricultural technology, including the importance of biological products and the search for new tools to improve agricultural productivity.