Protozoa-enhanced microbial pesticides for sustainable crop protection
Synthetic protozoa-AMP (active microbial pesticide) communities that combine predatory soil protozoa with beneficial microbes to suppress plant pathogens and boost crop health. Field and greenhouse trials show up to 193% cucumber growth and 88% pathogen reduction, offering a biological alternative to chemical pesticides for sustainable agriculture.
Overview
This solution leverages predatory soil protozoa as microbiome controllers to dramatically improve the performance of active microbial pesticides (AMPs). In conventional field applications, AMPs such as Bacillus and Trichoderma often underperform because competing soil microbes limit their effectiveness. By combining AMPs with carefully selected protozoa that preferentially feed on non-AMP competitors and plant pathogens, the technology creates synthetic microbial communities that deliver stronger disease suppression and plant growth promotion. The approach offers a sustainable biological alternative to chemical pesticides, supporting soil health and crop productivity across diverse agricultural systems.
Technical specifications
Core concept:
- Predatory protozoa selectively consume easy-to-digest microbes, sparing AMPs that produce defensive secondary metabolites
- Protozoa directly predate on plant pathogens, providing dual-action disease suppression
- Synthetic AMP-protozoa consortia are designed to maximize both pathogen control and plant beneficial effects
Validated performance highlights:
- Banana growth and resistance to Fusarium wilt increased when combined with Bacillus AMP
- Cucumber growth reached 193% in combined Trichoderma-protozoa treatments, 50% higher than Trichoderma alone
- Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization and maize performance enhanced with protozoan predators
- Pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum reduced by 88% through protozoa addition
Development pipeline:
- High-throughput multi-well plate screening of 100+ cultured soil protozoa against multiple AMPs (Bacilli, Trichoderma, Pseudomonas)
- Selection of predators that avoid AMPs while targeting pathogens including Plasmodiophora, Fusarium, Verticillium, and Phytophthora
- Greenhouse and field trials planned on oilseed rape, tomatoes, and additional crop species
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an advanced validation stage, supported by multiple successful field and greenhouse experiments demonstrating significant gains in crop growth and pathogen suppression. Ongoing work focuses on optimizing protozoa-AMP combinations through high-throughput laboratory screening before scaling to broader field validation. The approach is ready for collaborative development toward commercial biological products for sustainable crop protection.
About Wageningen University and Research
Wageningen University & Research is a life sciences–focused public university combined with mission-driven research institutes, integrating fundamental, applied, and field-based R&D at scale. On Wageningen Campus, companies co-locate with WUR teams and use shared pilot plants, advanced analytical labs, and controlled‑environment facilities for rapid prototyping. Being in the Food Valley cluster provides tight links to global corporates, SMEs, and startups through living labs and a strong regional talent pipeline. Research is backed by competitive funding from the Dutch Research Council, European Union programs, and national ministries, alongside significant contract research for industry. A dedicated technology transfer office and campus incubators streamline IP, licensing, and spin‑out formation for corporate partners and entrepreneurs.
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