Microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa, play a crucial role in plant protection. In particular, they are often parasitic or pathogenic to insects or other harmful organisms. In fact, these microorganisms, naturally occurring in the environment (1), are used in biological control to fight pests and diseases in crops. (2) On the other hand, this sustainable approach to plant protection has introduced new challenges especially related to the safety and regulation of agricultural products.
1) Microorganisms useful in agriculture:
In the environment, heterotrophic microorganisms also play a key role, especially in biogeochemical cycles and soil health by providing essential nutrients to plants. (3)
For example, these organisms contribute to soil fertility, regulate greenhouse gas emissions, combat plant pathogens, and promote plant growth. Preserving soil biodiversity is critical to ensuring food and nutrition security for future generations. (4)
2) Role of fungi and beneficial bacteria
Fungi and bacteria used in agriculture play crucial functions in biological control.
Fungi, through mechanisms such as hyperparasitism and antibiotic production, help protect plants from pathogens.
Rhizosphere bacteria, known as PGPR (Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizhobacteria) (5), promote plant growth without necessarily establishing close symbioses.
Microorganisms play a key role in root system protection and nutrient assimilation in the soil. (6)
3) Biopreparations based on microorganisms.
Microorganism-based biopreparations (BBMs) are a crucial piece in integrated pest management (IPM) and embody the cutting edge of agricultural sustainability. (7)
The European Union, through Directive 2009/128/EC, has required member states to implement protocols that include the use of BBMs. Italy implemented this directive through the DL of August 14, 2012, no. 150. (8,9) Certainly, this orientation toward BBMs is symptomatic of an established evolutionary trend, evidenced by the increasing adherence of agricultural operators, likewise, in both conventional and organic production systems, to the growing use of microbial inoculums. (10)
This development is fueled by a number of driving forces, including the need to increase agricultural production to meet growing food demand.
According to United Nations estimates, the world’s population will exceed 9 billion by 2050, making the adoption of sustainable agricultural approaches to feed the planet safely and ecologically even more essential. (11) So is the growing effort to reduce, if not eliminate altogether, pesticide residues in food, making microorganism-based biopreparations (BBMs) an attractive choice for conscious growers and consumers.
4) A growing market
The current market for biopreparations and biostimulants shows tangible signs of growth, with a CAGR (Compound annual growth rate) (12) of more than 10 percent. This increase is sustained through continued scientific research that has improved and stabilized the effectiveness of biopreparations. In addition, BBM formulas vary, including single species and combinations of beneficial microorganisms and bioactive molecules.
On the other hand, these biopreparations not only offer biocontrol solutions, but also biofertilization and biostimulation functions, thus helping to optimize agricultural productivity in a sustainable way. (13)
![Global biostimulant market trends since 2017 and forecast to 2029 with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 12.5% [Source: MMR]](https://www.foodtimes.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/microrganismi-utili-in-agricoltura.jpg)
5) New rules and sustainable perspectives
Since November 2022, the European Union has introduced new regulations to facilitate the approval of microorganisms in plant protection products. These regulations, certainly aligned with the goals of the European Green Deal, give farmers access to organic alternatives to chemical pesticides. The approach focusing on safety and sustainability aligns with the Farm to Fork strategy and will certainly contribute to greener and more sustainable agriculture. (14)
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1438: Amendments to Annex II of Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009 for specific criteria for the approval of active substances that are microorganisms. (15)
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1439: Amendments to Regulation (EU) No. 283/2013 for information to be submitted for active substances and specific data requirements for microorganisms. (16)
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1440: Amendments to Regulation (EU) No. 284/2013 for information to be submitted for plant protection products and specific data requirements for plant protection products containing microorganisms. (17)
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1441: Amendments to Regulation (EU) No. 546/2011 for specific uniform principles for the evaluation and authorization of plant protection products containing microorganisms. (18)
Two Commission Communications list test methods and guidance documents relevant to the harmonized implementation of Part B of the Annex to Regulation (EU) No. 283/2013 and Part B of the Annex to Regulation (EU) No. 284/2013. (19,20)
The listed test methods and guidance documents were selected on the basis of validation and their relevance to the approval of microorganisms. They also include in vitro approaches, computational models and other alternative methods to minimize testing on vertebrate animals.
6) Conclusions
The new EU rules and guidelines certainly represent, a significant step forward in the innovative use of microorganisms in plant protection products. Microorganism-based biopreparations stand as fundamental innovations in the contemporary agricultural context, primarily promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring food security for future generations.
Research still continues in this area, and it is essential to maximize the potential of BBMs by fully integrating them into global agricultural practices. However, these advances not only offer safer and more effective organic solutions for farmers, but also help reduce the environmental impact of chemical pesticides.
This safety and sustainability-focused approach aligns perfectly with the European Union’s broader goals for greener agriculture and a globally sustainable future.
Gabriele Sapienza
Notes
(1) Thompson, L., Sanders, J., McDonald, D. et al. A communal catalogue reveals Earth’s multiscale microbial diversity. Nature 551, 457-463 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature24621
(2) Pal, K.K. & McSpadden Gardener, Brian. (2006). Biological Control of Plant Pathogens. The Plant Health Instructor. 2. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHI-A-2006-1117-02
(3) Wilpiszeski, Regina & Aufrecht, Jayde & Retterer, Scott & Sullivan, Matthew & Graham, David & Pierce, Eric & Zablocki, Olivier & Palumbo, Anthony & Elias, Dwayne. (2019). Soil Aggregate Microbial Communities: Towards Understanding Microbiome Interactions at Biologically Relevant Scales. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 85. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.00324-19
(4) Micro-organisms used in plant protection products, EU report 2023, https://food.ec.europa.eu/plants/pesticides/micro-organisms_en
(5) Vincenzo Michele Sellitto, The useful microorganisms in agriculture, Edagricole, 2020, https://www.lafeltrinelli.it/microrganismi-utili-in-agricoltura-libro-vari/e/9788850655885
(6) Gabriele Sapienza, The useful microorganisms in agriculture, Microbiologia Italia, 2022, https://www.microbiologiaitalia.it/ecologia/i-microrganismi-utili-in-agricoltura/
(7) Giulia Pietrollini, Biofertilizers to Combat Climate Change. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade). 1.4.23
(8) Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009, EUR-Lex – 32009L0128 – EN – EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
(9) Legislative Decree Aug. 14, 2012 no. 150, LEGISLATIVE DECREE Aug. 14, 2012, no. 150 – Normattiva
(10) Kallenbach, C., Frey, S. & Grandy, A. Direct evidence for microbial-derived soil organic matter formation and its ecophysiological controls. Nat Commun 7, 13630 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms13630
(11) United Nations Regional Information Centre, UN 75 – The Big Issues: A Changing Demography, 2020,UN 75 – The Big Issues:A Changing Demography – UN Italy (unric.org)
(12) Maximize Market Research, Biostimulants Market- Global Industry Analysis and Forecast (2022-2029) https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/biostimulants-market/604/
(13) Thakore, Yatin. (2006). The Biopesticide Market for Global Agricultural Use. Industrial Biotechnology. 2. https://doi.org/10.1089/ind.2006.2.194
(14) Dario Dongo. From Farm to Fork to Farm to War, the Appeal Of Science For A Resilient Food Strategy. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade). 22.3.22
(15) Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009, EUR-Lex – 02009R1107-20221121 – EN – EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
(16) Commission Regulation (EU) No 283/2013 of 1 March 2013, EUR-Lex – 02013R0283-20221121 – EN – EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
(17) Commission Regulation (EU) No 284/2013 of 1 March 2013, EUR-Lex – 02013R0284-20221121 – EN – EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
(18) Commission Regulation (EU) No 546/2011 of 10 June 2011, EUR-Lex – 02011R0546-20221121 – EN – EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
(19) Communication from the Commission concerning Part B of the Annex to Commission Regulation (EU) No 283/2013, EUR-Lex – 52023XC0609(02) – EN – EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
(20) Communication from the Commission concerning Part B of the Annex to Commission Regulation (EU) No 284/2013, EUR-Lex – 52023XC0609(01) – EN – EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
Graduated in Agronomy, with experience in sustainable agriculture and permaculture, laboratory and ecological monitoring.
