October 27, 2025

The Plant Endophyte Research Center at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) studies beneficial bacteria that live inside plants, called endophytes. These naturally occurring bacteria function as biostimulants (growth promoters) and biocontrol agents (disease suppressors), helping improve crop productivity and resilience while offsetting the use of chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides.

Why the Center Exists

By focusing on naturally occurring bacteria, the Plant Endophyte Research Center addresses the following three challenges with natural, science-based solutions.

  • High input costs and environmental pressures. Farmers face significant costs for fertilizers and pesticides, and many of these inputs are under tighter environmental and regulatory scrutiny.
  • Need for alternatives. Agriculture is looking for sustainable options that reduce reliance on chemicals while still supporting productivity and profitability.
  • Growth of controlled environment agriculture. Hydroponics and vertical farming are expanding quickly, and these systems need new biological tools to maximize efficiency and yields.
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What Makes the Center Different

The Plant Endophyte Research Center is structured to move discoveries quickly from the laboratory into real-world agricultural use. Its team combines strong scientific expertise, specialized facilities and collaborative partnerships to accelerate innovation in biostimulants and biocontrol agents. The Center’s quasi-governmental, non-competitive model allows it to be a trusted partner for industry and academia.

  • Extensive microbial library. IALR has built a collection of more than 2,000 characterized endophytes.
  • Active partnerships. The Center collaborates with dozens of companies and organizations through agreements that protect research and enhance innovation.
  • Proven track record. Multiple peer-reviewed publications demonstrate practical benefits across a range of crops.
  • Diverse funding support. Federal and state grants have provided resources to expand research and validate findings.

Research Results

IALR scientists have documented significant impacts of endophytes on crop productivity through applied trials in field grown, greenhouses and controlled environment systems. These results confirm the potential for natural microbial solutions to replace or reduce the need for chemical inputs in agriculture. Studies continue across multiple crops, building evidence for commercial application.

  • Spinach. Yield increased by up to 19% using select bacterial strains in hydroponic systems.
  • Lettuce. Productivity improved by over 20%, with better lateral root development supporting overall plant health.
  • Cucumbers and lettuce. Biocontrol treatments suppressed Pythium, improving yields by as much as 42%.
  • Strawberries. Marketable yields increased by about 14%, offering growers a natural solution where chemicals are limited or restricted.

Industry Collaboration

The Center works directly with industry to ensure research results can be applied in commercial settings. Companies can access expertise, facilities and independent validation to develop and refine microbial products. By partnering with IALR, businesses reduce risk and accelerate time to market.

  • Contract research. Independent, third-party validation studies help confirm product performance.
  • Intellectual property co-development. Collaborative projects lead to new microbial solutions tailored to industry needs.
  • Greenhouse and field trials. Both controlled and real-world settings are used to test microbial performance.
  • Lab space rental. Fully equipped laboratory space is available for companies to conduct on-site research.

Research Facilities and Tools

IALR’s infrastructure is designed to support microbial discovery and application at every stage of development. Facilities allow scientists to isolate, test and validate microbial strains while running applied trials in agricultural environments. Advanced tools enable precise evaluation of microbial effects on crops.

  • Laboratories. Biology and chemistry labs are equipped for microbial analysis, screening and product development.
  • Greenhouse and CEA facilities. Research includes controlled trials in greenhouses and hydroponic systems, supporting both experimental and applied projects.
  • Advanced technology. DNA sequencing, automated plant imaging and data analytics are used to identify and evaluate microbial strains

Funding and Publications

The Plant Endophyte Research Center has built credibility through scientific publications and successful grant support. The research team has published over a dozen peer-reviewed articles confirming the role of endophytes in crop growth, disease resistance and productivity.

Grants from multiple agencies and commissions have funded this ongoing work.

  • Peer-reviewed research. Studies document measurable results in lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, and strawberries.
  • Federal support. Includes a $750,000 Department of Energy Plant Feedstock Genomics Grant and a $54,200 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant. (we have received several more USDA grants and I will get these to you asap.
  • State and local support. Funding from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission and other state programs has further advanced the work.

The Bottom Line

IALR’s Plant Endophyte Research Center provides practical, science-based solutions to strengthen agricultural productivity and sustainability. By combining laboratory discovery, applied research, and industry collaboration, the Center is developing tools that reduce reliance on chemicals and expand the use of natural biological systems. These efforts contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.