European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW: CHITINOLYTIC BACTERIA AS A POTENT BIOCONTROL AGENT AGAINST AGRI INSECT-PESTS

Monika Gupta* and Ajit Varma

ABSTRACT

Importance: Chitin is one of the major component of exoskeleton of insects. Chitin degradation by microorganisms causes severe damage and death of insect-pests and their larvae. In present scenario, the most common method employed by farmers in management of insect pests is use of synthetic chemicals. The application of chemicals in the form of insecticides-pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture results in health hazardous and environment issues. Environmental safety and target specificity are the prime concerns nowadays, when we go for pest control. The use of biological toxins is one of the safest approaches to control the infestation rate in the field of agriculture. In this context, chitinolytic microbes are likely to play a key role as applied biocontrol agent due to their short life cycle and mass culturing in addition to their target specificity. These microbes secrete chitinase enzyme which act as a control mechanism against the insect-pests’. Observation: The use of chitinase helps in controlling the infestation rate of insect-pests. A significant reduction in larval and pupal population was observed when chitin degrading bacteria was used in combination with other bacterial genus which all together has a different mode of action. Conclusion and Relevance: The use of biological toxin helps in improving the environment health. At the same time the health hazardous risk caused due to subsequent use of chemicals can also be minimized. In addition, by employing organic approach independently, helps in sustenance of beneficial microorganisms and insects and will also improve the soil fertility by increasing the ability to hold water and nutrients.

Keywords: Chitinolytic Bacteria, insect-pests, biocontrol agent, bioassay.