Lactic acid bacteria bioproduct for crop protection against pathogens
A LAB-based bioproduct offering dual-action crop protection by priming plant defenses and antagonizing pathogens. Validated in vitro and in planta against Fusarium and Ralstonia in tomato and cape gooseberry, reducing disease incidence and severity. Seeking partnerships for high-throughput validation across additional crop-pathogen interactions.
Overview
This solution centers on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as a biological crop protection product that safeguards plants against major pathogens through two complementary mechanisms: inducing plant immune priming and acting as direct pathogen antagonists. By heightening the plant's own defense pathways and simultaneously interfering with pathogen growth, LAB offer a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides.
The technology has been validated against economically important pathogens including Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, F. oxysporum f. sp. physali, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Races 1 and 4), and Ralstonia solanacearum. Field-relevant trials in tomato and cape gooseberry demonstrated that LAB treatment significantly reduced disease incidence and severity under single and dual pathogen inoculation. The target outcome is a commercially viable bioproduct applicable to a broad range of crops and pathogen systems.
Technical specifications
Dual mode of action:
- Priming of plant defenses: LAB-treated plants showed induction of salicylic acid and jasmonic acid defense pathway marker genes (qPCR validated, p<0.05), enabling faster and stronger responses upon pathogen attack.
- Direct antagonism: All five tested LAB strains inhibited pathogen growth in vitro, including tolerance to fusaric acid at concentrations of 50–400 ppm.
Validated performance:
- In vitro inhibition of Fusarium spp. and Ralstonia solanacearum growth
- In planta reduction of wilt symptom appearance in tomato and cape gooseberry under single and dual pathogen challenge (p<0.05)
- Defense gene induction confirmed via molecular markers
Optimization parameters under development:
- Application timing: seeds, seedlings, and mature plants
- Application method: seed treatment, drench, and foliar
- LAB concentration and formulation
- Expanded crop-pathogen interaction testing
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at an advanced validation stage, with proof-of-concept demonstrated both in vitro and in planta across two crop systems and four pathogen targets. The next development phase focuses on optimizing application protocols, scaling efficacy testing to additional crop-pathogen interactions, and characterizing the molecular mechanisms of protection. The team is actively seeking a partnership capable of supporting high-throughput screening of LAB protection across diverse crop-pathogen systems to accelerate product development toward commercial readiness.
About Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria
AGROSAVIA is a Colombian decentralized public entity of mixed non-profit participation dedicated to agricultural science, technology, and innovation. The organization focuses on generating scientific knowledge and developing agricultural technology through research, technological adaptation, and the dissemination of technical expertise. Its operations are organized into specialized innovation networks, including cacao, fruits, vegetables, livestock, permanent crops, and roots and tubers. By bridging the gap between advanced research and practical application, AGROSAVIA develops improved crop varieties, such as biofortified beans and sugarcane, and establishes integrated management protocols to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
These efforts are vital for Colombian agricultural producers, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to improve competitiveness, ensure sustainable natural resource management, and raise their quality of life. Through initiatives like field schools and the provision of technical assistance, the corporation facilitates the transfer of technology and information to small-scale farmers. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, AGROSAVIA acts as a key driver for technical change in the national agricultural sector, helping producers modernize their practices and address challenges related to climate resilience and food security.
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