Harnessing microbes for crop production: TS201 enhances maize yield and reduces pest damage
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Microbial technologies are increasingly adopted to improve sustainable agriculture amid escalating economic, regulatory, and ecological pressures, yet few, if any, are supported by mechanistic understanding that translates to real-world performance. Here, we report TS201, a U.S. EPA–registered bioinsecticide, composed of Methylorubrum extorquens , that enhances maize yield and resilience under pest pressure. Across seven years (2016–2022) of field trials at 22 U.S. locations, TS201 increased yield and reduced lodging. Large-scale evaluations at 81 sites in eight U.S. states (2023–2024) confirmed its agronomic benefit. Mechanistically, TS201 induced biosynthesis of methyl anthranilate, a volatile insect-repellent compound, and triggered pest avoidance of treated roots. These findings reveal a novel plant-microbe-insect interaction and establish a systems biology framework for harnessing microbial plant resilience to advance crop production.
Authors: Man P. Huynh, Khanh-Van Ho, Anne Z. Phillips, Amanda M Fox Ernwall, Dalton Ludwick, Deborah Finke, Zhentian Lei, Allison Jack, Bruce E. Hibbard, Natalie W. Breakfield
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4410664933