Lactic acid bacteria as microbial biopesticides for plant pathogen control

Overview

This solution leverages lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) as microbial biopesticides to protect crops against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The research team has identified specific lactobacilli strains that naturally colonize plants, inhibit pathogen growth, and persist in plant environments. Two of these strains are already covered by patent applications. The technology offers a sustainable, non-toxic alternative to chemical pesticides, with the added benefit that lactobacilli are safe for humans, insects, and other organisms, making them suitable for integrated pest management and organic agriculture.

Technical specifications

• Strain selection and characterization: A culture collection of lactobacilli from plant and insect environments has been screened for biocontrol activity and plant-persistence traits.
• Pathogen inhibition: 21 strains significantly inhibited the fungal pathogen Botrytis in vitro, with one strain outperforming a commercial Pantoea agglomerans P10c biocontrol product.
• Disease reduction: A second strain reduced symptoms caused by Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 in tomato seedlings to levels comparable to the commercial benchmark.
• Plant persistence traits: Protective strains show enhanced colonization of seedlings and leaves, catalase activity, carotenoid production, broad pH tolerance, and metabolism of plant-derived sugars such as sucrose and arabinose.
• Safety profile: Lactobacilli are non-toxic and beneficial to humans, insects, and other organisms, reducing regulatory and environmental risk.

Technology readiness level

The technology is currently at laboratory validation stage (TRL 4–5). In vitro and seedling assays have confirmed pathogen inhibition and disease reduction for two lead strains, both of which are included in patent applications. Next steps involve greenhouse and open-field trials to validate persistence and biocontrol efficacy outside controlled conditions, as well as further strain screening and trait analysis to enable rational selection or combination of complementary strains. The research team is actively seeking public-private partnerships, including licensing options and field-testing collaborations, to advance toward commercial deployment.