At the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR)

Our Plant Endophyte Research Center focuses on leveraging biotechnology and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to develop sustainable solutions in agriculture. Our researchers explore beneficial plant bacteria, known as endophytes, that live inside plants and act as biostimulants to promote growth and improve nutrient uptake. They also function as biocontrol agents, inhibiting pathogen growth and reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

About the Plant Endophyte Research Center 

Below are scientific publications that our research team has published. Some of these peer-reviewed articles were produced in collaboration with research teams from other universities and institutions, including Brigham Young University and Virginia Tech.

In addition to peer-reviewed publications, IALR’s Applied Research division conducts contract research involving microorganisms and biotechnology solutions across the agriculture, consumer goods and life sciences industries. We provide flexible IP and confidentiality options, allowing clients to choose between NDAs or shared publications and co-development and licensing opportunities.

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Publications

Beneficial bacterial endophytes promote spinach plant growth with indoor vertical hydroponics
  • Summary: Two bacterial endophytes, Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 and Enterobacter asburiae IALR1379, significantly increased spinach shoot fresh weight, root growth and leaf greenness in indoor vertical hydroponic systems. Overall, IALR632 proved more effective in enhancing plant growth than IALR1379.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020376
  • Citation: Zhou D, Chretien RL, South K, Evans M, Lowman S, Mei C. 2024. Beneficial bacterial endophytes promote spinach plant growth under indoor vertical hydroponics. Technology in Horticulture 4:e015
  • Date Published: 2024
ACC deaminase-producing endophytic bacteria improve hydroponically grown lettuce in the greenhouse during summer season
  • Summary: The bacterial endophyte Burkholderia contaminans IALR1819, with high ACC deaminase activity, significantly improved lettuce shoot growth and chlorophyll content under summer heat stress in hydroponic greenhouse systems. These results highlight potential methods to mitigate heat stress effects on lettuce production.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2024.112862
  • Citation: Chretien RL, Burrell E, Evans MR, Lowman S, Mei C. 2024. ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) deaminase producing endophytic bacteria improve hydroponically grown lettuce in the greenhouse during summer season. Scientia Horticulturae 327:112862.
  • Date Published: 2024
Biocontrol potential of endophytic Pseudomonas strain IALR1619 against two Pythium species in cucumber and hydroponic lettuce
  • Summary: Bacterial endophyte Pseudomonas sp. IALR1619 effectively protected cucumber seedlings and hydroponic lettuce from Pythium pathogens, significantly enhancing survival rates and crop yields. The study confirms the potential of IALR1619 as a sustainable biocontrol agent in greenhouse conditions.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298514
  • Citation: Amaradasa BS, Mei C, He Y, Chretien RL, Doss M, Durham T, Lowman S. 2024. Biocontrol potential of endophytic Pseudomonas strain IALR1619 against two Pythium species in cucumber and hydroponic lettuce. Plos One 19(2):e0298514.
  • Date Published: 2024
A potential application of Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 for lettuce growth promotion in hydroponics
  • Summary: The bacterial endophyte Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 significantly increased lateral root development and shoot and root fresh weights in multiple lettuce cultivars across various hydroponic systems. This study demonstrates IALR632’s substantial potential to enhance lettuce productivity in controlled environments.
  • Citation: Mei C, Zhou D, Chretien RL, Turner A, Hou G, Evans MR, Lowman S. 2023. A potential application of Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 for lettuce growth promotion in hydroponics. Microorganisms 11, 376.
  • Date Published: 2023
A potential application of endophytic bacteria in strawberry production
  • Summary: Endophytic bacteria Bacillus velezensis strains IALR308, IALR585, and IALR619 effectively inhibited strawberry pathogens and enhanced marketable fruit yield. IALR619 particularly demonstrated significant potential for use in commercial strawberry production.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110504
  • Citation: Mei C, Amaradasa BS, Chretien RL, Liu D, Snead G, Samtani JB, Lowman S. 2021. A Potential Application of Endophytic Bacteria in Strawberry Production. Horticulturae 7(11):504.
  • Date Published: 2021
Characterization of phosphate solubilizing bacterial endophytes and plant growth promotion in vitro and in greenhouse
  • Summary: Five phosphate-solubilizing bacterial endophytes significantly promoted the growth of peppers, tomatoes, and tall fescue. Pantoea agglomerans IALR1325 emerged as a promising bacterium for enhancing plant phosphate uptake and growth.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9091935
  • Citation: Mei C, Chretien RL, Amaradasa BS, He Y, Turner A, Lowman S. 2021. Characterization of phosphate solubilizing bacterial endophytes and plant growth promotion in vitro and in greenhouse. Microorganisms 9(9):1935.
  • Date Published: 2021
Potential application of plant growth promoting bacteria in bioenergy crop production
  • Summary: This review outlines the mechanisms by which plant growth-promoting bacteria enhance bioenergy crop performance, especially on marginal lands. It highlights sustainable methods for improving biomass yields and stress tolerance.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003170051-10
  • Citation: Mei C, Amaradasa S, Sikaroodi M, Zhang X, Gillevet P, Nowak J and Lowman S. 2021. Potential application of plant growth promoting bacteria in bioenergy crop production. In: Microbiome Stimulants for Crops.
  • Date Published: 2021
First report on southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in industrial hemp in Southern Virginia
  • Summary: This is the first documented case of southern blight in industrial hemp caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Southern Virginia, emphasizing the need for ongoing disease monitoring and management in hemp production.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-11-19-2423-PDN
  • Citation: Amaradasa BS, Turner A, Lowman S, Mei C. 2020. First report on southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in industrial hemp in southern Virginia. Plant Dis 104(5):1563.
  • Date Published: 2020
Salt-tolerant halophyte rhizosphere bacteria stimulate growth of alfalfa in salty soil
  • Summary: Salt-tolerant bacteria isolated from halophytes significantly enhanced alfalfa growth under saline conditions. These findings provide potential biotechnological solutions for crop cultivation in salt-affected soils.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2019.01849
  • Citation: Kearl J, McNary C, Lowman JS, Mei C, Aanderud ZT, Smith ST, West J, Colton E, Hamson M, Nielsen BL. 2019. Salt-tolerant halophyte rhizosphere bacteria stimulate growth of alfalfa in salty soil. Front Microbiol 10:1849.
  • Date Published: 2019
Bioremediation of industrial and municipal waste ponds contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
  • Summary: This article discusses strategies for bioremediating PCBs in wastewater treatment ponds using a combination of switchgrass and bacteria, highlighting practical approaches to addressing persistent environmental contaminants.
  • Link: https://austinpublishinggroup.com/environmental-sciences/fulltext/ajes-v1-id1013.php
  • Citation: Lowman S and Mei C. 2016. Bioremediation of industrial and municipal waste ponds contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Austin Environ Sci 1(3):1013.
  • Date Published: 2016
Growth promotion of switchgrass by bacterial endophyte Pantoea agglomerans strain PaKM isolated from seeds
  • Summary: Endophyte Pantoea agglomerans PaKM significantly boosted switchgrass growth and biomass yield, improving stress tolerance across various genotypes and conditions, demonstrating potential for sustainable bioenergy crop production.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.29011/2575-5755.100007
  • Citation: Kim-Dura S, Lowman, Zhang S and Mei C. 2016. Growth promotion of switchgrass by bacterial endophyte Pantoea agglomerans strain PaKM isolated from seeds. J Pathol & Microbiol. 1(2):1007.
  • Date Published: 2016
Strategies for enhancement of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) performance under limited nitrogen supply based on utilization of N-fixing bacterial endophytes
  • Summary: Researchers successfully developed and tested nitrogen-fixing bacterial endophytes to significantly promote switchgrass growth under limited nitrogen supply, demonstrating a sustainable alternative to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-015-2633-0
  • Citation: Lowman S, Kim-Dura S, Mei C and Nowak J. 2016. Strategies for enhancement of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) performance under limited nitrogen supply based on utilization of N-fixing bacterial endophytes. Plant Soil 405:47-63.
  • Date Published: 2016
Global gene expression profiling of two switchgrass cultivars following inoculation with Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN.
  • Summary: Mechanisms of Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN promotinges switchgrass growth were investigated through global gene expression profiling of two switchgrass cultivars: Alam is response to PsJN and Cave-in-Rock is nonresponse to PsJN.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erv096
  • Citation: Lara-Chavez A, Lowman S, Kim S, Tang Y, Zhang J, Udvardi M, Nowak J, Flinn B, Mei C. Global gene expression profiling of two switchgrass cultivars following inoculation with Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN. Journal of experimental botany. 2015 Jul 1;66(14):4337-50.
  • Date published: 2015
Switchgrass field performance on two soils as affected by bacterization of seedlings with Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN
  • Summary: Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN improved switchgrass seedling establishment, growth, and biomass yield, particularly on low fertility soils, indicating its potential for sustainable bioenergy production.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12155-014-9510-z
  • Citation: Lowman S, Kim S, Lara-Chavez A, Flinn B, Nowak J and Mei C. 2015. Switchgrass field performance on two soils as affected by bacterization of seedlings with Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN. BioEnergy Research 8:440-449.
  • Date Published: 2015
Plant hormone jasmonate prioritizes defense over growth by interfering with gibberellin signaling cascade
  • Summary: This study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which the plant hormone jasmonate prioritizes defense over growth through interference with the gibberellin signaling pathway.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1201616109
  • Citation: Yang D*, Yao J*, Mei C*, Tong X, Zeng L, Li Q, Xiao L, Sun T, Li J, Deng X, Lee C, Thomashow MF, Yang Y, He Z, and He S. 2012. Plant hormone jasmonate prioritizes defense over growth by interfering with gibberellin signaling cascade. PNAS 109 (19) E1192–E1200 (*co-first author).
  • Date Published: 2012
Growth promotion and colonization of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) cv. Alamo by bacterial endophyte Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN
  • Summary: Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN significantly enhanced the growth and biomass of switchgrass cultivar Alamo under various conditions, demonstrating strong potential for bioenergy crop production.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.1186/1754-6834-5-37
  • Citation: Kim S, Lowman S, Hou G, Nowak J, Flinn B and Mei C. 2012. Growth promotion and colonization of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) cv. Alamo by bacterial endophyte Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN. Biotechnol Biofuels 5:37.
  • Date Published: 2012
The use of beneficial microbial endophytes for plant biomass and stress tolerance improvement
  • Summary: This review covers beneficial microbial endophytes, detailing physiological and molecular mechanisms of growth promotion and stress tolerance, emphasizing their importance in sustainable agricultural systems.
  • Link: https://doi.org/10.2174/187220810791859435
  • Citation: Mei C and Flinn B 2010. The use of beneficial microbial endophytes for plant biomass and stress tolerance improvement. Recent Patents on Biotechnol 4:81-95.
  • Date Published: 2010

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Analytical Chemistry

Controlled Environment Agriculture

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Biotechnology