Applications of biopolymers in agriculture with special reference to role of plant derived biopolymers in crop protection.

Abstract

Biopolymers are a diverse and remarkably versatile class of materials that are either
produced by biological systems or synthesized from biological source materials.
Biopolymer seed coating serves as soil stabilizer, seed protector, yield-enhancer, and
plant growth regulator. Biopolymers dry quickly, dissolve rapidly in water, form effective
water-soluble film, readily adhere to seeds, minimize the required dose of fungicides,
and provide excellent control of plant diseases thereby contributing to enhanced
plant productivity. Biopolymer seed coatings with various active ingredients precisely
provide early access to each sown seed with nutrients, fertilizers, and pesticides in an
accurate and timely manner with long lasting ingredients. New biocompatible and
biodegradable biopolymers are produced from plants, microbes, animals, renewable
agricultural wastes, and feedstocks. Modern biotechnology and nanotechnology tools
are used to create new materials by genetic modification of an organism in order to
produce greater quantities of a particular biopolymer. Biopolymer applications in
agriculture are increasing, and there is an emphasis on further research for more expertise
in biopolymer engineering and genetic modification of biological systems to produce
designed biopolymers for agricultural use.