“On Farm” Production of microorganisms in Brazil

The use of microorganisms is an excellent strategy for controlling agricultural pests and diseases. In recent years, rural producers have manufactured microorganisms on their properties for direct application in crops, a practice known as on farm production. In this work of literature review, aspects related to the home production of microorganisms, advantages, disadvantages and future perspectives are addressed. The practice is not illegal. Producers are supported by the Organic Law, which allows the production of agricultural inputs for their own use. One of the main advantages of homemade multiplication is the reduction in the cost of purchasing the products and the inexistence of transport and storage costs. Quality control is essential for using the technique, as the main risk is contamination with human and animal pathogens. The main multiplied microorganisms are: Trichoderma sp., Metarhizium anisopliae, Bacillus subtilis, B. pumilus, B. amyloliquefaciens, B. thuringiensis, Bauveria bassiana, Nomuraea riley and Azospirillum brasilense. These microorganisms act in the induction of resistance, parasitism, antagonism and the production of enzymes that degrade the cell wall, as well as the production of toxic substances, essential characteristics for the alternative control of pests and diseases. On farm production is driven by the demand for healthier foods, the occurrence of chemical resistance problems and the lack of new products, traditionally used in conventional agriculture.