Great question! Understanding lactic acid bacteria and yeasts helps you see why fermented solutions (like porridge or buttermilk) are so powerful for natural plant care.
🧪 What are Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB)?
✅ Definition:
Lactic acid bacteria are beneficial microbes that convert sugars into lactic acid during fermentation. They are:
- Gram-positive bacteria
- Anaerobic (grow in low-oxygen environments)
- Common in curd, buttermilk, pickles, fermented rice, and fermented porridge
✅ Examples:
- Lactobacillus
- Leuconostoc
- Pediococcus
- Streptococcus
🌿 Benefits in Agriculture:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Antifungal activity | LAB produce acids and enzymes that suppress fungal diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew. |
| Promotes leaf health | Forms a protective film on leaves to prevent harmful microbes from attaching. |
| Soil health improvement | Enhances nutrient breakdown and availability in the root zone. |
| Natural deodorizer & sanitizer | Reduces bad odors and harmful microbes in composts and sprays. |
🍞 What are Yeasts?
✅ Definition:
Yeasts are single-celled fungi that ferment carbohydrates to produce alcohol and CO₂. They are:
- Found in fermented grains, natural air, and soil
- Used in making bread, beer, wine, fermented porridge
✅ Examples:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Candida spp.
- Torulaspora
🌿 Benefits in Agriculture:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Produces growth hormones | Some yeasts release natural plant growth-promoting substances. |
| Boosts beneficial microbes | Works in symbiosis with bacteria to improve microbial balance on leaves and soil. |
| Inhibits pathogens | Produces alcohol and acids that inhibit harmful fungi. |
🔬 How They Work Together in Fermented Porridge:
- Bacteria lower the pH and produce lactic acid
- Yeasts produce enzymes and alcohol
- Together, they kill harmful microbes, feed beneficial ones, and stimulate plant immunity
🌾 Agricultural Use:
These microbes are a key part of:
- Jeevamrutham
- Panchagavya
- Fermented porridge sprays
- EM solution (Effective Microorganisms)
Would you like to culture your own LAB at home from rice water or curd for your field use? I can guide that too.