In the heart of Spain, researchers are uncovering new ways to protect one of the world’s most popular crops from a relentless fungal foe. Botrytis cinerea, a notorious pathogen, has long plagued tomato farmers, causing significant losses and driving the need for chemical fungicides. But what if there was a natural, sustainable way to shield these plants from harm? A recent study published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Plant Science’ (Frontiers in Plant Science) suggests that certain beneficial bacteria could hold the key to a greener, more resilient future for tomato cultivation.
The research, led by Ismael Mazuecos-Aguilera of the University of León’s Chemical, Environmental and Bioprocess Engineering Group, explores the potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to activate induced systemic resistance (ISR) in tomato plants. This natural defense mechanism could reduce the need for chemical antifungals, offering a more sustainable approach to crop protection.
Mazuecos-Aguilera and his team focused on three bacterial strains: Peribacillus frigoritolerans (CD_FICOS_02), Pseudomonas canadensis (CD_FICOS_03), and Azotobacter chroococcum (CD_FICOS_04). Each strain was evaluated for its ability to protect tomato plants against B. cinerea infection through soil inoculation. The results were promising. “We found that strains CD_FICOS_02 and CD_FICOS_03 not only reduced the incidence of B. cinerea but also mitigated plant oxidative stress,” Mazuecos-Aguilera explained. “This suggests that these bacteria can enhance the plant’s natural defenses, making them more resistant to the pathogen.”
The study revealed that each strain activated different ISR pathways. CD_FICOS_02 primarily boosted the expression of genes related to the salicylic acid pathway, while CD_FICOS_03 increased the expression of genes associated with the jasmonic acid/ethylene hormonal pathway. This indicates that the bacteria can preferentially activate these pathways, tailoring the plant’s defense response to the specific threat.
Interestingly, CD_FICOS_03 also promoted root and aerial biomass production in infected plants, suggesting that it can enhance plant growth even under stress conditions. While CD_FICOS_04 did not reduce B. cinerea damage, it did increase the biomass of infected plants, highlighting the potential for these bacteria to improve crop yield and resilience.
The implications of this research are significant for the agricultural industry, particularly for tomato farmers grappling with B. cinerea. By harnessing the power of PGPR, farmers could reduce their reliance on chemical fungicides, lowering costs and environmental impact. Moreover, the enhanced plant growth observed in the study could lead to increased yields, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
As the world seeks more sustainable agricultural practices, this research offers a glimpse into a future where natural, beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in crop protection. “The best strategy for biocontrol of B. cinerea is to combine the ability to promote plant growth with the ability to induce systemic resistance,” Mazuecos-Aguilera noted. “This approach could revolutionize how we protect and cultivate our crops, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.”
The findings, published in ‘Frontiers in Plant Science’ (Frontiers in Plant Science), open up new avenues for research and development in the field of biocontrol. As scientists continue to explore the potential of PGPR, we may see a shift towards more eco-friendly and effective crop protection strategies. This could not only benefit tomato farmers but also inspire similar approaches for other crops, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient global food system.