- Beauveria bassiana
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by Jessica Staha
Training Your Beauveria bassiana (Bbas)
As plant enthusiasts are introduced to the world of biologicals they are often overwhelmed by the many different choices. This article is intended to help gardeners and farmers alike to better understand biological products.
Below is a description of the three groups of products (Biofertilizers vs. Biopesticides vs. Biostimulants) within the biological industry, how different microorganisms can attain different biological responses from the plant, and finally the difference in products when they list the same microorganism’s latin name.
This article will help you better understand how bacteria and fungi can serve as sustainable solutions for home gardening and farming.
Biologicals are defined as Biofertilizers, Biopesticides, and/or Biostimulants
Biological products are organized into three groups: biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biostimulants. Biofertilizers are a natural source of a specific nutrient utilized by the plant. Biopesticides are naturally occurring/derived molecules or organisms that can kill specific insects and/or pests. Biostimulants are naturally occurring/derived molecules or organisms that can stimulate a plant response, such as growth acceleration, nutrient uptake, nutrient metabolism, and/or stimulation of the plant immune system.
Microorganisms that are Biologicals
Many microorganisms can achieve all three biological product types. These microorganisms each differ in their abilities based on their type and their location in the plant microbiome. These microorganisms are either bacteria or fungi. If they are found in the plant microbiome living on the plant’s leaves and/or stems, they are in the phyllosphere. If the organism prefers surrounding the plant’s root system, they reside in the rhizosphere. Finally, if the organism lives within the plant, they are then in the endosphere. Based on the organism and its preferred location, they will be able to achieve unique goals. Beauveria bassiana (Bbas) is a unique biological. This fungi can survive in the soil as part of the rhizosphere providing nutrients as a biofertilizer. Bbas can also proliferate within the plant acting as a biostimulant. Finally, the appropriate isolate (see Products with the same microorganism, which are not the same) can disable, or kill insects serving as a biopesticide (read The Different Life Phases of Beauveria bassiana (Bbas)).
Products with the same microorganism, are not the same
An expected question is “if a product lists the same microorganism’s Latin name, to another product, does it get the same results?” The answer is “No”. A good analogy of this is seen in dogs. Both Daschunds and Saint Bernards have the Latin name Canis lupus familiaris. Daschunds average 25 pounds and were bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Saint Bernards average 140 pounds and were bred to rescue people in the Alps. The same Latin name, but very different purposes. Additionally, when considering a dog breed such as the Canadian Labrador Retriever, many are familiar with its ability to be taught to hunt or to become a guide dog for the visually impaired. This training can also be achieved by product manufacturers to ensure your specific microorganism is completing the correct task. When assessing biological products containing microorganisms such as Beauveria bassiana (Bbas) make sure you read what the product is intended to accomplish.
