Bio-surfactants to Treat Citrus Plant Diseases

Objective:

The objective of this study was to if bio-surfactants from fermentation can be used to treat citrus plant diseases such as citrus greening.

Background:

In citrus production, widespread infection of citrus plants by pathogens such as citrus greening disease and citrus canker disease has led to significant hardships for citrus growers. As much as entire crops have been lost to these bacterial infections, leading to a decline in the production, and increase in price, of citrus products worldwide.

Growers have relied heavily on the use of synthetic chemicals and chemical fertilizers for boosting crop yields and protecting crops from drought and disease. However, when overused or improperly applied, these substances can run off into surface water, leach into groundwater, and evaporate into the air. As sources of air and water pollution, responsible use of these substances is an ecological and commercial imperative. Even when properly used, the over-dependence and long-term use of certain chemical fertilizers, pesticides and antibiotics deleteriously alters soil ecosystems, reduces stress tolerance, increases pest resistance, and impedes plant growth and vitality.

Therefore, the increasing awareness among the public over the adverse effects of synthetic chemical and surfactant is creating opportunities for the exploration of microbial derived surfactants displaying better availability and being generally nontoxic and biodegradable.