New Research Identifies Promising Endophytic Bacteria to Enhance Maize Health and Productivity

Strategic Insights -

Research led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has found that certain endophytic bacteria, including Stenotrophomonas, Brevundimonas, and Pseudomonas, from the maize phyllosphere can inhibit the causal agent of Maydis leaf blight (MLB) in maize and exhibit strong plant growth promotion and nutrient solubilization activity. The study analyzed the maize phyllomicrobiome using both microbial metabarcoding and conventional microbiological techniques, identifying ten distinct bacterial species from the maize phyllosphere. These isolates demonstrated significant inhibition of Bipolaris maydis, the causal agent of MLB, through the production of secretory or volatile metabolites.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified ten distinct bacterial species from the maize phyllosphere, including Stenotrophomonas, Brevundimonas, and Pseudomonas, which can inhibit Bipolaris maydis, the causal agent of Maydis leaf blight (MLB) in maize.
  • The identified endophytic bacteria exhibited strong plant growth promotion and nutrient solubilization activity, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Brevundimonas olei, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia suppressing MLB symptoms by more than 60% in planta.
  • The research concluded that these strains are potential sustainable solutions for enhancing maize health and productivity.
  • The study used both microbial metabarcoding and conventional microbiological techniques to analyze the maize phyllomicrobiome.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Plant and Soil.

Statistics:

  • The study identified over 50% of the isolates demonstrated significant inhibition of Bipolaris maydis.
  • The isolates scored more than 60% in suppressing MLB symptoms.
  • The research analysis identified ten distinct bacterial species from the maize phyllosphere.
  • The study used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify the bacterial species.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Stenotrophomonas Findings from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Reported (Exploring the Endophytic Microbiome of Maize Leaves: Roles In Plant Growth Promotion and Defense Against Bipolaris Maydis). Life Science Weekly. June 17, 2025; p 2533.
  • Exploring the Endophytic Microbiome of Maize Leaves: Roles In Plant Growth Promotion and Defense Against Bipolaris Maydis. Plant and Soil, 2025.