Project

Flowerinoculation with beneficial bacteria to increase plant resistance

The application of microorganisms that colonize the inside of plant tissue, called endophytes, can increase the resistance of plant crops against biotic and abiotic stresses. However, it is still a challenge to ensure long term colonization of plant tissue with selected microorganisms. In pilot experiments, we demonstrated that flower inoculation could be used to deliver microorganisms as endophytes into seeds. In this project we aim to further develop this method in order to sustainably establish beneficial microorganisms in vegetables and ornamentals.

The challenge

Both biotic stresses (i.e., pathogens) and abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, heat) can cause large economic losses in the cultivation of vegetables and ornamentals. Beneficial microorganisms to increase plant resistance and resilience are increasingly applied, but their effects have been inconsistent. This is mostly due to limited survival of applied microorganisms to the soil or to the plant. In contrast, microorganisms which can colonize the inside of plant tissue, so-called endophytes, are likely to be better equipped to survive in the long-term and positively affect plant growth and resistance. It has, however, been a challenge to inoculate endophytes into the plants in a sustainable and economically feasible way.

In a pilot experiment at WUR, it could be shown that bacteria, which had been inoculated on cabbage flowers by spraying or by pollinating insects, could be found back inside the seeds. Thus, this method shows great potential to add beneficial endophytes to the next generation of plants via the seeds.

The approach

In this project we will investigate a new inoculation method to transfer beneficial bacteria to the inner tissue of seeds. Thereby we hope to be able to enrich seed with microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the cultivation of crops, such as resistance against drought and against diseases and pests. In collaboration with project partners it will be determined which effects will be investigated.

The project will consist of 1) the selection of bacterial strains with a potential for beneficial effects on plant resistance, 2) determining the colonization of flower, seed and seedling by inoculated bacteria and 3) investigating the effect of the inoculated endophytes on stress resistance and optimization of application.

Infographic flower inoculation.jpg

Our expertise

  • Large collection of bacteria and fungi
  • Broad expertise in the field of microbial ecology and diagnostics
  • Extensive facilities for molecular research and in situ detection, e.g. via microscopy

Call for partners

We are looking for partners from industry active in plant breeding and seed production that are interested in improving plant resistance using endophytes. Companies can join a Public-private partnership (Topsector project), but also bilateral collaboration is possible.

Please be aware that this is not a currently ongoing project. Therefore, we do not currently recruit students to work on this topic.