What if certain bacteria naturally present in Quebec soils could both improve plant nutrition and protect plants against pathogens?
That is the goal of a research project bringing together Agro-100 and microbiology professor Éric Déziel of the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), as part of an initiative of the Consortium de recherche et innovations en bioprocédés industriels au Québec (CRIBIQ).
Featured in an article published by Le Devoir in February 2024, this project focuses on developing microbial biofertilizers that can support the growth of tomato plants while helping protect them against certain infections.
The project aims to identify beneficial bacteria that can fulfil two complementary functions:
The researchers eventually hope to incorporate the best-performing bacterial strains into a biological product that can be sprayed on crops or applied to the soil.
The goal is to develop biological solutions that work with the plant’s ecosystem, rather than relying solely on conventional chemical treatments.
Greenhouse production supports local fruit and vegetable production, but it also presents particular challenges in terms of fertilization and disease management.
The project focuses in particular on Clavibacter michiganensis, a bacterium that can cause significant damage in greenhouse tomato production. The researchers are assessing the possibility of using other bacteria to colonize the plant, compete with certain pathogens and help prevent infections.
This approach could be a particularly promising avenue for organic production, where treatment options are more limited.
Not all microorganisms react the same way to their environment. Soil acidity, temperature, moisture and the microbial populations already present influence their ability to establish themselves and remain active.
That is why the research team is focusing on indigenous bacteria, naturally adapted to Quebec conditions.
When the article was published, several bacteria from Quebec soils had already been isolated. The researchers had begun to evaluate:
The resulting collection of bacteria was described at the time as promising.
The bacteria being studied could act on several aspects of plant health.
Promoting nutrient uptake
Some bacteria can make nutrients more available to the plant or promote their uptake by the roots.
Supporting the plant under stress
Beneficial microorganisms can help improve plants’ response to certain environmental stresses, such as cold or unfavourable growing conditions.
Protecting against pathogens
Some bacteria naturally produce antimicrobial compounds or occupy the available space on the plant, which can limit the establishment of harmful microorganisms.
Reducing the use of certain treatments
In time, these technologies could contribute to the development of solutions that respect the plant ecosystem and are compatible with the goals of more sustainable agriculture.
Before a microbial biofertilizer can be marketed, the selected bacteria must go through several steps.
When the article was published, the team was preparing the next phases of greenhouse and research plot trials.
Agricultural microbiology is paving the way for a new generation of products that can interact directly with plants and their environment.
By studying indigenous bacteria from Quebec soils, Agro-100 and its partners are seeking to develop solutions that could:
Article source (in French):
La microbiologie au service de l’agriculture
Camille Feireisen, special contribution
Published in Le Devoir on February 24, 2024
