Biochemical mechanism of Bacillus strains for plant growth promotion and disease resistance
Research collaboration opportunity to investigate how beneficial Bacillus strains produce plant growth regulators and induce systemic resistance against pathogens, supporting sustainable agriculture through microbial-based crop enhancement.
Overview
This research explores the biochemical mechanisms by which beneficial Bacillus strains promote plant growth and health across multiple crop species. The work focuses on understanding how these microbes produce plant growth regulators and activate induced systemic resistance (ISR) against diverse pathogens. The goal is to develop more efficient approaches for applying beneficial microbes and their regulatory compounds to enhance sustainable agriculture while reducing dependence on chemical inputs.
Technical specifications
Research approach and capabilities:
- Isolation and characterization of beneficial Bacillus strains with demonstrated plant growth promotion effects
- Whole-genome sequencing of beneficial microbes to identify genetic potential for regulatory compound production
- Untargeted metabolite profiling using UPLC/MS-MS to compare beneficial Bacillus strains against non-beneficial strains
- Targeted metabolite and enzyme activity analysis to identify compounds involved in plant growth enhancement and pathogen inhibition
- Comparative RNAseq and hormone analysis of plant leaves treated with beneficial Bacillus strains versus untreated controls
- Validation of direct pathogen inhibition activities against fungal and bacterial pathogens including Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea
Preliminary results demonstrate:
- Two Bacillus strains promote growth and yield in tomato and strawberry plants
- Soil drench treatment induces systemic resistance against diverse pathogens
- Direct inhibition of fungal and bacterial pathogens causing significant agricultural losses
- Both direct and indirect mechanisms contribute to enhanced plant health
Technology readiness level
This research is at an early-to-mid stage of development with promising preliminary data. Two Bacillus strains have already demonstrated efficacy in promoting tomato and strawberry growth and yield through soil drench application. The team has confirmed pathogen inhibition activities and is now advancing to detailed mechanistic studies through whole-genome sequencing, metabolomics, and transcriptomics analyses. Future validation will identify specific functional compounds responsible for the beneficial effects and test their activities on plant growth and disease resistance, moving toward practical applications for sustainable agriculture.
About The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university in Columbus, serving one of the nation’s largest student populations and a broad research enterprise. Industry partners engage through an integrated academic medical center for clinical translation, a campus‑adjacent innovation district for co‑located projects, and a statewide extension network that pilots solutions across Ohio. Corporate engagement provides a single front door for sponsored research, talent pipelines, and streamlined agreements. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, DoD, and NASA. A dedicated technology transfer office and venture support help protect IP, license technologies, and launch startups.
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