Comparative genomics platform for identifying plant-associated bacteria with biocontrol potential
A research program leveraging comparative genomics to identify bacterial isolates with plant biocontrol and growth-promotion traits. Combines phylogenetic analysis, genome mining, and functional assays to discover system-specific beneficial microbes for sustainable agriculture applications.
Overview
This research program applies comparative genomics and functional characterization to identify plant-associated bacteria with biocontrol and growth-promotion potential. The team has built a collection of more than 500 bacterial isolates from diverse crop production systems and is using phylogenetic and genomic approaches to determine which strains are best suited for specific agricultural applications. The work targets both well-studied genera such as Pseudomonas and Bacillus and less-characterized genera including Sphingobium, Flavobacterium, and Chryseobacterium. By linking genomic features to functional traits like biofilm formation, nutrient mobilization, and antimicrobial activity, the program aims to deliver a curated set of system-adapted bacterial candidates with field-ready potential for sustainable crop protection.
Technical specifications
Approach and methodology:
- Whole-16S rDNA characterization of more than 500 plant-associated bacterial isolates to establish phylogenetic breadth
- Screening of 35 isolates spanning five genera for siderophore production and antagonistic activity against oomycete (Pythium sp.) and bacterial plant pathogens (Xanthomonas sp. and Pseudomonas sp.)
- Comparative genomics and genome mining to identify genetic signatures associated with adaptation to specific crop production systems
- Functional assays including biofilm formation, phosphate solubilization, swarming motility, and antimicrobial activity profiling
- In vitro and in planta validation to connect genomic features with phenotypic performance
Key findings to date:
- Nine isolates inhibited one or more tested pathogens
- Thirteen isolates produced siderophores
- Multiple isolates exhibited swarming growth and competitive colonization behavior
Target traits:
- Biopesticide activity against fungal and bacterial pathogens
- Plant growth promotion through nutrient mobilization (siderophores, organic acids, phosphate solubilization)
- Biofilm formation and root colonization capacity
- System-specific adaptation for tailored agricultural deployment
Technology readiness level
The program is at an early-to-mid stage of development. Initial screening and functional characterization of a subset of isolates has been completed, demonstrating proof of concept for biocontrol and growth-promotion activity. Ongoing work focuses on narrowing the isolate set using phylogenetic and comparative genomics analyses, followed by in vitro and in planta validation. The goal is to identify a core set of system-specific isolates ready for field application testing. The research is positioned to advance toward pilot trials and partnerships with agricultural industry stakeholders interested in developing microbial biopesticide and biofertilizer products.
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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