Metabolomics screening platform for ISR and SAR elicitation by rhizobacteria in crops

Overview

This solution leverages untargeted metabolomics to systematically evaluate how different rhizosphere microbial isolates activate induced systemic resistance (ISR) and systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in major crop species. By profiling the full secondary metabolism cascade rather than focusing narrowly on individual signaling molecules, the platform identifies microbial solutions that effectively elicit plant natural defenses without negatively impacting crop performance in the field. The approach addresses a critical gap in crop protection, where classical strategies can be complemented by biological solutions that harness the plant's own immune pathways.

The research targets model crops spanning C3 and C4 photosynthesis as well as monocot and dicot species, including tomato, maize, and wheat. This breadth ensures that identified microbial solutions have relevance across diverse agricultural systems. The platform supports the development of sustainable, biology-based crop protection strategies that reduce reliance on conventional pesticides while maintaining yield and quality.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Untargeted metabolomics workflow using UHPLC/QTOF and UHPLC/Orbitrap instrumentation for comprehensive profiling of plant secondary metabolites
• Multivariate statistics and pathway analysis to map the full ISR/SAR cascade beyond conventional salicylate and jasmonate markers
• Pre-screened microbial isolate bank with sequencing-based exclusion of plant and human pathogenicity genes
• Application methods including seed treatment and root application (e.g., tomato at transplanting)
• Analysis of both root and leaf tissues to capture systemic defense responses across the whole plant
• Cross-species evaluation covering tomato, maize, and wheat to represent C3/C4 and monocot/dicot diversity

Technology readiness level

The metabolomics methodology has been validated through published scientific work on elicitation by both microbial and non-microbial factors in crop species. A bank of microbial isolates is already available, pre-screened by sequencing to exclude pathogenicity genes. The next validation phase involves testing these isolates through seed treatment and root application, followed by metabolomics analysis of root and leaf tissues. The platform is positioned for collaborative validation with industrial partners interested in biological crop protection solutions.