Biorational propolis deployment for soybean rust management and soil microbiome enhancement

Overview

This research program explores the use of propolis—a natural resinous substance produced by bees—as a biorational (biologically rational, environmentally compatible) alternative to conventional agrochemicals for managing soybean rust caused by the fungal pathogen Phakopsora pachyrhizi. The solution addresses two interconnected challenges: controlling a destructive crop disease and enhancing plant wellness through beneficial soil microbe interactions. By combining propolis application with rhizosphere engineering (modifying the soil environment around plant roots to favor beneficial organisms), the program aims to deliver a broad-spectrum biopesticide with both protective and plant-growth-promoting properties.

Technical specifications

Core approach:

• Aqueous propolis solution applied as a foliar spray until drenching on soybean plants, both inoculated and uninoculated with P. pachyrhizi
• Isolation, characterization, and pathogenicity testing of P. pachyrhizi to confirm Koch's postulates (verifying that the isolated pathogen actually causes the disease)
• Chemical analysis of propolis to identify active antimicrobial and plant-beneficial compounds
• Screenhouse trials (controlled greenhouse evaluations) repeated to validate efficacy under controlled conditions
• Whole-genome analysis of associated microbial populations to identify synergistic interactions between propolis and beneficial soil microbes

Scientific foundation:

• Built on prior laboratory research into organic amendments as biorational agrochemical replacements
• Leverages expertise in rhizosphere engineering and soil-plant-microbe interactions using molecular and biotechnology tools

Technology readiness level

The technology is at an early research and validation stage (TRL 3–4). The proposed one-year study will progress from pathogen isolation and characterization through chemical profiling, controlled screenhouse efficacy trials, and metagenomic analysis of microbial synergies. Outputs are expected to establish proof-of-concept for propolis as a biopesticide and lay the groundwork for field validation and broader-spectrum applications in sustainable crop protection.