Microcystin-producing bacteria and cyanobacteria as biocontrol agents for improved crop yield

Overview

This research proposes the use of microcystin-producing bacteria and cyanobacteria as a natural biocontrol strategy to improve crop yield and overall plant health. The hypothesis is that these microorganisms inhibit the growth of oomycete and ascomycete pathogens through the production of extracellular metabolites, leading to reduced soil pathogen presence and improved crop performance. Field studies on corn have demonstrated promising results, including increased yields, enhanced growth, and decreased soil pathogen presence in soils with higher abundance of microcystin-producing bacteria and cyanobacteria.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Microcystin-producing bacteria and cyanobacteria are applied to soil, either directly or via dredged sediments
• These microorganisms produce extracellular metabolites that inhibit oomycete and ascomycete pathogens
• The approach has been validated in field studies on corn, with 20 sampling locations across two fields
• Soil health parameters, including bacterial and fungal communities, were measured prior to planting and after harvest
• Future validation will include greenhouse experiments factorially manipulating microcystin-producing bacteria and cyanobacteria in soils for corn and soybean crops
• Sequencing efforts will identify soil bacterial and fungal communities to assess the effects of extracellular metabolites

Technology readiness level

This technology is currently at an early stage of development, with promising field study results on corn. The research team is seeking funding support for sequencing efforts to further validate the approach and assess its effects on crop growth and yield. Future studies will focus on greenhouse experiments and the identification of soil bacterial and fungal communities to refine the biocontrol strategy.