Novel soil microorganism biocontrol agents for soil-borne fungal diseases in key crops

Overview

This research program focuses on discovering and exploiting novel beneficial soil microorganisms isolated from fertile, disease-suppressive soils in Myanmar. The goal is to develop microbial biocontrol agents that can suppress soil-borne fungal pathogens affecting economically important crops such as potato, tomato, and soybean. By targeting the soil microbiome, the program aims to provide sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides while supporting long-term soil health and reducing the risk of pandemic fungal disease spread through propagating materials.

Technical specifications

Research approach:

• Field survey and sample collection of soil-borne fungal diseases from key crops across Myanmar
• Isolation and identification of pathogenic fungi, followed by pathogenicity testing
• Isolation of beneficial microbial resources from disease-suppressive soils
• Evaluation of disease control ability of newly isolated microorganisms under environmentally controlled greenhouse conditions

Target applications:

• Biocontrol of soil-borne fungal diseases in potato, tomato, and soybean production
• Disease management support for economically important crops in Myanmar
• Prevention of fungal disease spread via movement of propagating materials
• Contribution to sustainable agricultural environments and soil health

Technology readiness level

The program is at an early-to-mid research stage. Microbial isolation, identification, and pathogenicity characterization are underway, with greenhouse-based validation planned to confirm disease suppression efficacy. Field-scale validation and product formulation development remain as next steps before commercial deployment can be considered.