Root-associated bacillus strains for crop protection and growth promotion
A strain library of Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus mycoides isolates from the rhizosphere of crop plants, screened for inhibition of wilt-causing phytopathogens. Selected isolates show endophytic root colonization, plant growth promotion, and genome-sequenced biopesticidal gene content for developing biocontrol agents.
Overview
This offering presents a curated library of root-associated Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus mycoides strains isolated from the rhizosphere of tomato and other crop plants. The strains were systematically screened for their ability to inhibit wilt-causing fungal phytopathogens such as Verticillium dahliae and Verticillium longisporum, which are major contributors to crop yield losses. Preliminary greenhouse data indicate that certain B. mycoides isolates also promote tomato plant growth. The collection is supported by complete genome sequences and a detailed biopesticidal gene content analysis, making it a strong foundation for developing next-generation biological crop protection products.
Technical specifications
Strain collection and screening:
- 270 isolates sourced from the rhizosphere of tomato plants, with 20 selected for diversity-based inhibition assays
- Classical agar plate inhibition assays against Verticillium lawn, demonstrating media-dependent halo formation
- Comparative genome analysis of all relevant isolates to identify shared genes linked to antifungal activity
- Biopesticidal gene profiling using IDOPS, a newly developed bioinformatics tool
Key microbial features:
- Endophytic lifestyle capability, with active association to plant roots
- Inhibition of eukaryotic phytopathogenic fungi, extending the well-known insecticidal activity of B. thuringiensis to fungal disease control
- Plant growth promotion observed in first greenhouse tests with selected B. mycoides isolates
- Complete genome sequences available for all relevant strains, enabling identification of clonable genomic loci responsible for safe and effective pathogen inhibition
Research context:
- Built on the hypothesis that plants shape a protective microbiome to defend against eukaryotic herbivores and pathogens
- Part of a broader effort to systematically recognize protective strains active against phytopathogenic pests
Technology readiness level
The strain library and supporting genomic resources are at an early-to-mid stage of development. Laboratory validation of antifungal inhibition has been completed, and initial greenhouse experiments have shown promising plant growth promotion effects. The next phase involves systematic screening of additional B. cereus sensu lato strains from diverse crop rhizospheres, expanded genome sequencing and comparative analysis, and larger greenhouse trials to confirm crop protection efficacy. The technology is well positioned for collaborative development toward field-ready biocontrol formulations.
About Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Georg‑August‑Universität Göttingen is a comprehensive public research university in Lower Saxony with broad academic breadth and a major university medical center. Through the Göttingen Campus alliance, the university is co‑located with Max Planck and Leibniz institutes, supported by a shared research data center that links campus partners and services. Clinical translation is enabled by the University Medical Center Göttingen, while proximity to leading life‑science and precision‑measurement companies in the region supports applied collaboration and talent pipelines. The university’s research is supported by competitive funding from the German Research Foundation, federal ministries, and European programmes. Technology transfer is provided by MBM ScienceBridge, a wholly owned subsidiary that manages IP, licensing, and startup support.
delivered to your inbox.