The multiple applications of biology in agriculture they have substantially improved the production and distribution of food for human consumption. Domestication and the cultivation of plants and animals began almost 10,000 years ago.
From its origins, the objective of agriculture has been to satisfy the most basic human need: food.
Before the seventeenth century, very few recognized the practical applications of this study. Thanks to advances in science, especially in the field of biology, agricultural productivity has been deeply benefited.
The 5 main applications of biology in agriculture
1- Pest control
Pest control is one of the primary applications of biology in agriculture. Biological knowledge has developed a method to suppress or control the population of undesirable insects, other animals or plants.
This is done by introducing, stimulating or artificially raising their natural enemies to economically unimportant levels.
Among the mechanisms used are natural ones, such as predation, parasitism or herbivory.
In this way, the active manipulation of natural phenomena is placed at the service of human purpose. This allows us to work in harmony with nature.
2- Creation of plants resistant to pests
Another application of biology in agriculture is the development of plant varieties resistant to pests.
Around the world, unwanted animals are a threat to agricultural crops.
These significantly reduce yield and affect almost every aspect of the plants.
Through conventional breeding, some insect resistant crops have been created.
Recently there have been great advances in biotechnology. For example, resistance to pests and diseases of crops has increased through genetically modified plants, which implies the reduction of chemical control of pests.
3- Selective breeding to improve agricultural plants and animals
Since the 18th century, knowledge about biology has been used to carry out crossings of related species.
Selective breeding seeks to improve traits such as taste, color, disease resistance and productivity.
At the beginning of the 20th century, genetics began to be used to develop new varieties of plants and animals.
This has brought important changes in agriculture, especially in the productivity of some crops.
4- Understanding the effects of climate on crops
Biology helps to understand how climate changes affect crops. For example, temperature plays an important role in the different biological processes that are critical for the development of the plant.
The optimum temperature varies for germination, growth and reproduction. These optimum temperatures must occur at certain times in the life cycle of the plant; otherwise, the growth and development of the plant may be affected.
5- Food preservation
Food preservation refers to the processes to stop food spoilage due to microbial action.
Lately the biological methods of food preservation have become increasingly important.
These consist of adding cultures of innocuous microorganisms of high purity to the food. The cultures have an inhibitory effect on the undesirable decomposition microorganisms.
References
- Blanchard, J. R. and Farrell, L. (1981). Guide to Sources for Agricultural and Biological Research. University of California Press.
- Palmer, R.A. et al. (2016, April 15) The agricultural sciences. Retrieved on December 12, 2017, from britannica.com
- New World Encyclopedia. (s / f). Biological pest control. Retrieved on December 12, 2017, from newworldencyclopedia.org
- Karthikeyan, A.; Valarmathi, R.; Nandini S. and Nandhakumar, M.R. (2012). Genetically Modified Crops: Insect Resistance. Biotechnology , No. 11, pp. 119-126.
- Rasmussen, W. D. et al. (2017, March 10) Origins of agriculture. Retrieved on December 12, 2017, from britannica.com
- Karsten, H.; Vanek, S. and Zimmerer, K. (s / f). Direct Effects of Climate Change on Crops. Retrieved on December 12, 2017, from e-education.psu.edu
- Lück, E. and Jager, M. (2012). Antimicrobial Food Additives: Characteristics, Uses, Effects. New York: Springer Science & Business Media.