PGPR probiotics for crop protection against root rot disease in legumes
Research program identifying molecular targets for plant probiotics containing Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) to combat fungal root rot in Vicia faba L. Previous field trials demonstrated 29-45% yield increases. Next phase investigates PGPR-mediated disease resistance against S. Sclerotiorum using transcriptomics and metagenomics.
Overview
Climate change is intensifying crop diseases, creating urgent demand for novel plant protection products. This research program focuses on Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) probiotics as a sustainable solution to fungal root rot in legumes, specifically targeting Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infection in Vicia faba L. (faba bean). The work builds on validated field results showing that PGPR inoculants can boost crop yields by 29-45%, and aims to identify the molecular mechanisms and targets behind these benefits, particularly during pathogen challenge. The goal is to enable the development of next-generation bio-based crop protection products.
Technical specifications
Validated PGPR treatments include:
- Bacillus subtilis combined with Rhizobium mixture
- Azotobacter chroococcum combined with Rhizobium mixture
- Bacillus subtilis as a single inoculant
- Azotobacter chroococcum as a single inoculant
- Rhizobium mixture as a single inoculant
Experimental approach:
- Tested on two Vicia faba cultivars (Polikarpi and Solon)
- Split-split-plot field design with 288 test subjects
- Statistically significant yield improvements of 29-45% versus control (p<0.05)
- Highest performance achieved with B. subtilis plus Rhizobium mixture
Planned next-phase validation:
- Controlled infection trials with S. sclerotiorum under defined conditions
- Combined physiological monitoring with disease progression scoring
- Transcriptomic profiling of plant host responses
- Metagenomic profiling of rhizosphere microbial communities
- Identification of gene expression shifts and microbial population changes linked to resistance
Technology readiness level
The PGPR inoculants have been validated at field scale, demonstrating consistent and statistically significant yield improvements across two cultivars. The program is now advancing from agronomic validation toward mechanistic understanding and product-oriented development. The next stage involves controlled-pathogen trials combined with multi-omics analysis to elucidate resistance pathways and pinpoint molecular targets suitable for bio-product development. The team is actively seeking research funding, personnel support, and product development mentorship to advance toward commercialization.
About The Centre for Research & Technology, Hellas (CERTH)
The Centre for Research and Technology, Hellas (CERTH), founded in 2000, is a leading Greek research center that promotes the integration of research, development, and innovation. It comprises five specialized institutes focused on areas including chemical engineering, energy, environmental technology, and bio-economy. CERTH conducts high-quality basic and applied research and develops novel technologies through strong partnerships with industry and global academic institutions.
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