Beneficial bacteria identified to protect tomato crops and boost growth

Researchers at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) have identified beneficial bacteria that can simultaneously protect tomato plants from disease and stimulate their growth. The study, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, focuses on combating bacterial canker, a disease caused by the pathogen Clavibacter michiganensis that can lead to total crop collapse.

After screening over 500 bacterial strains, the team identified three promising candidates: one strain of Pantoea agglomerans and two from the Pseudomonas marginalis group. The Pantoea agglomerans strain was particularly effective, delaying disease symptoms by up to seven days and reducing disease severity from 85% in unprotected plants to 45%.

These findings offer a potential biological alternative to chemical pesticides, supporting more sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, genomic analysis suggested that two of the identified strains may belong to a previously unrecognized lineage within the Pseudomonas marginalis group.