The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research’s (IALR) Plant Endophyte Research Center uses naturally occurring bacterial plant endophytes as biostimulants with great success in the agriculture and agricultural product industries. Our innovative research leverages these beneficial microorganisms to enhance plant health, productivity and resilience.

What Are Biostimulants?

Biostimulants are natural products or microorganisms that improve plant growth, health and stress tolerance. At IALR, we specialize in researching beneficial bacterial endophytes, which are microorganisms that live inside plant tissues and act as powerful biostimulants. Our research team has published over a dozen peer-reviewed studies highlighting the efficacy of biostimulants and biocontrol agents. 

These endophytes help plants thrive by producing growth hormones, enhancing nutrient uptake, improving stress responses and boosting plant immune systems.

We also research with biocontrol agents, naturally occurring organisms that control pests and diseases in agriculture, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

contact our research team

Our Research Expertise

IALR’s Plant Endophyte Research Center is dedicated to uncovering how these microorganisms can improve agriculture sustainably. Our scientists focus on beneficial bacteria naturally occurring in the ecologically diverse Blue Ridge Mountains region. We maintain a library of over 2,000 characterized endophytes, and our capabilities are continuously expanding.

Our targeted research evaluates bacteria for:
  • Plant growth promotion (increased growth rate, plant size)
  • Stress tolerance enhancement (drought resistance, nutrient acquisition)
  • Disease inhibition (natural antimicrobial activities)
  • Improved nutrient uptake (phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation)

 

 

Practical Applications and Benefits

Our biostimulant research demonstrates significant potential benefits for sustainable agriculture, including:

  • Reduced chemical fertilizer use
  • Enhanced soil and environmental quality
  • Increased crop yields and plant resilience
  • Reduced environmental and human health risks associated with traditional chemical applications

We have successfully demonstrated remarkable results in various contexts, including increased yield and disease resistance in crops like hydroponic lettuce and strawberries.

About the Plant Endophyte Research Center

Partnering with Industry

IALR actively collaborates with biotechnology, agriculture and chemical companies to advance biostimulant and biocontrol product development. Our flexible research and partnership models include:

  • Contract Research: Providing independent, high-quality third-party validation studies.
  • Intellectual Property (IP) Co-Development: Jointly developing innovative biostimulant products.
  • Lab Space Rental: Offering fully equipped laboratory space and collaborative opportunities for companies to conduct their own research on site.

Companies interested in commissioning biostimulant studies or developing new biostimulant products can leverage our expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to achieve their sustainability goals.

COMMISSION BIOSTIMULANT RESEARCH

Bridging Academia, Industry and Sectors

IALR uniquely bridges biotechnology, chemistry, controlled environment agriculture, academia, industry and public and private sectors. Our multidisciplinary team excels in integrating cutting-edge scientific research with practical, real-world applications.

By collaborating with IALR, partners gain access to extensive knowledge, proprietary methodologies and innovative technologies developed through years of experience. We help companies and researchers navigate the complexities of the biostimulant industry efficiently and effectively.

Additional Research Areas

Analytical Chemistry

Controlled Environment Agriculture

Fermentation Training

Robotic Imaging