Novel active microbial pesticides for soil health and disease management

Overview

This research initiative focuses on discovering and formulating novel active microbial pesticides derived from beneficial soil microorganisms identified through metagenomics analysis of cover crop incorporated soils. The goal is to address the growing need for sustainable crop protection solutions that combat soilborne pathogens while restoring soil health degraded by long-term synthetic pesticide use.

The widespread application of synthetic pesticides in crop protection has led to soil degradation, loss of beneficial plant probiotic microbiota, and increasing fungicide resistance. This research directly responds to these challenges by identifying microorganisms that can suppress major soilborne pathogens such as Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., and Phytophthora spp. while simultaneously enhancing soil microbial diversity and health. The initial application focus is on woody ornamental nursery production, a sector where soilborne disease management is critical to plant quality and economic viability.

Technical specifications

Research approach:

• Metagenomics-based identification of beneficial microbial communities from cover crop incorporated soils
• Field trials using cover crops including triticale and crimson clover, grown as solitary crops and mixtures at varying seeding rates
• Microscopic, biochemical, and molecular characterization of identified bacterial and fungal isolates
• Dual culture antagonistic assays to evaluate pathogen suppression capability against major soilborne nursery pathogens
• In vitro stress testing under flood, drought, and salinity conditions to identify robust microbial candidates
• Focus on beneficial genera including Pseudomonas spp. and Trichoderma spp., alongside novel microbial candidates

Key features:

• Targets multiple soilborne pathogens simultaneously
• Designed to improve beneficial microbial biomass in soil
• Addresses fungicide resistance challenges associated with synthetic pesticides
• Supports integrated pest management in nursery production systems

Technology readiness level

This research is at an early-to-mid discovery stage. Prior studies have demonstrated that cover crops effectively suppress soilborne pathogens and increase populations of beneficial microorganisms such as Pseudomonas spp. and Trichoderma spp. The current validation phase involves comprehensive field-based microbiome studies and laboratory antagonistic assays to identify and characterize the most promising microbial candidates for pesticide formulation. Further in vitro testing under environmental stress conditions will determine formulation viability. The technology is positioned for advancement toward prototype microbial pesticide formulations pending successful identification and validation of candidate microorganisms.