The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research’s (IALR) Plant Endophyte Research Center implements naturally occurring beneficial bacterial endophytes as biocontrol agents. These microbial solutions offer sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides, effectively managing diseases in economically important crops and enhancing agricultural productivity.

What Are Biocontrol Agents?

Biocontrol agents are naturally occurring organisms that control pests and diseases in agriculture, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. At IALR, our Applied Research team uses bacterial endophytes—naturally occurring microorganisms that live inside plant tissues—that exhibit powerful antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

These beneficial bacteria offer effective disease management without environmental harm or resistance buildup commonly associated with chemical pesticides.

We also work with biostimulants, natural products or microorganisms that improve plant growth, health and stress tolerance.

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Our Research Expertise

IALR scientists in the Plant Endophyte Research Center maintain a robust collection of over 2,000 bacterial endophytes and have identified strains with exceptional biocontrol properties. Through meticulous laboratory assays and greenhouse trials, we select and validate bacteria capable of controlling significant plant pathogens, such as:

  • Water and Soil-borne pathogens (e.g., Pythium in hydroponic lettuce and greenhouse cucumber)
  • Crop-specific pathogens (e.g., strawberry diseases)
  • Fungicide-resistant pathogens

Our research team has published over a dozen peer-reviewed studies highlighting the efficacy of biostimulants and biocontrol agents. 

Our multidisciplinary team, including a skilled plant pathologist, conducts rigorous research to test and demonstrate the efficacy of these microbial agents in contexts such as greenhouses, vertical farms and traditional field crops.

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Practical Applications and Benefits

Biocontrol agents researched and developed by IALR offer numerous practical advantages, including:
  • Effective disease management without chemical residues
  • Enhanced crop yield and marketability
  • Improved environmental sustainability and reduced pesticide use
  • Prevention of pesticide resistance in pests and pathogens
  • Does not harm non target organisms
Examples of our successes include:
  • Controlling Pythium in hydroponic lettuce, resulting in fresh-weight yield increases of up to 42%
  • Enhancing marketable strawberry yields by approximately 14%, mitigating losses due to a banned chemical

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: Delivering independent, rigorous evaluations of biocontrol products
  • Intellectual Property (IP) Co-Development: Jointly innovating biocontrol solutions tailored to industry needs
  • Lab Space Rental: Providing comprehensive laboratory facilities for companies to conduct their own research and development on-site

Companies interested in validating biocontrol agents or developing innovative biocontrol solutions can leverage IALR’s expertise and advanced resources for targeted, impactful outcomes.

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Bridging Academia, Industry and Sectors

IALR uniquely connects biotechnology, plant pathology, controlled environment agriculture and chemistry expertise across academic, industry and public-private sectors. Our specialized knowledge enables swift and responsive research adaptations, helping industry partners quickly address emerging agricultural challenges and transition to sustainable, effective biocontrol solutions.

Additional Research Areas

Analytical Chemistry

Controlled Environment Agriculture

Fermentation Training

Robotic Imaging