Yeast as a Source of Metabolites for Agricultural Applications
摘要
Microorganisms have emerged as a valuable source of metabolites with significant potential for various agricultural applications. Yeast metabolites encompass a broad spectrum of compounds, including organic acids, enzymes, vitamins, polysaccharides and bioactive secondary metabolites. Yeast-derived biofertilizers and biostimulants have demonstrated efficacy in promoting root development, increasing crop yields, and improving the overall health of plants. Furthermore, yeast-based formulations exhibit biocontrol properties against various plant pathogens, reducing the reliance on synthetic pesticides and contributing to integrated pest management strategies. The production of yeast metabolites can be optimized through biotechnological approaches such as strain improvement, fermentation optimization, and genetic engineering. These advancements enable the customization of yeast strains to maximize the synthesis of specific metabolites tailored for agricultural applications. Among the products available for commercial use, BioGro2 is notable as a multi-strain biofertilizer consisting of a blend of bacteria and the yeast Candida tropicalis. Another significant biofertilizer is NutriSmart®, which is made up of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains that are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, breaking down phosphate rock into soluble phosphate and improving the soil health. In the category of biofungicides, Zimevit combines Bacillus subtilis strain UYBC38 with Metschnikowia pulcherrima strain M26. Other commercial antifungal formulations utilizing yeasts include Noli or Shemer™, Nexy, Botector, and BoniProtect™, each specifically designed to combat particular phytopathogenic fungi. Therefore, yeast stands out as a promising and sustainable source of metabolites with diverse applications in agriculture. The exploitation of yeast-derived compounds offers a pathway towards reducing the environmental impact of conventional farming practices while simultaneously promoting crop productivity and resilience.