Native plant microbiome consortium for biofertilizer and biopesticide applications in maize and other crops

Overview

This solution offers a cultivated consortium of native plant-associated microorganisms designed to function as both a biofertilizer and biopesticide for maize and other crops. By harvesting and cultivating the indigenous microbiome found on and within healthy native plants, the consortium delivers microorganisms that are naturally adapted to local environmental conditions. The formulation aims to improve nutrient uptake and use efficiency, enhance soil nutrient quality, and protect crops from common insect pests, offering an integrated biological alternative to conventional chemical inputs.

The approach addresses three interconnected factors critical to crop performance: soil health, plant biology, and microbial activity. By leveraging native microorganisms rather than introduced species, the consortium benefits from natural compatibility with the target crops and surrounding agroecosystems, supporting more resilient and sustainable agricultural outcomes.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Native microbiome sourced directly from healthy, vigorous plants and surrounding soils, ensuring environmental adaptability
• Metagenomic characterization to identify and quantify the main families of microorganisms present in the formulation
• In vitro cultivation and isolation of microorganisms from nutrient-uptake organs such as roots and from tissues associated with insect resistance
• Multi-organism consortium formulation designed to trigger plant immune responses, activate metabolism, and support biosynthesis of plant growth regulators
• Dual functionality as a biofertilizer (improving nutrient availability and uptake) and biopesticide (targeting common maize pests)
• Applicable across multiple crops including maize, wheat, beans, potato, and tomato

How it works:

The development process begins with sampling healthy native plants and surrounding soils, followed by isolation and cultivation of microorganisms from key plant organs. Metagenomic analysis determines the microbial composition and proportion of living organisms in each formulation. Different consortium combinations are then tested on target crops to evaluate growth, nutrient uptake, and pest resistance outcomes.

Technology readiness level

The technology is at an early-to-mid stage of development. A related patent application has been filed in Mexico for a microorganism consortium applied to agave, demonstrating proof of concept for carbohydrate production and growth development in that crop. Published studies on bacterial and fungal inoculants functioning as biofertilizers and soil bioremediation agents in beans, potato, and tomato provide additional supporting evidence. Future validation will focus on formulating and testing optimized consortiums directly on maize and other target crops to confirm performance under field-relevant conditions.