Using endophytic bacteria to prevent disease

The world consumed over 504 million metric tons of rice in 2020. Rice is an essential part of many people's diet, and its large quantity and low price make it a necessity for those in developing countries. However, bacterial and fungal infections severely damage the production of this vital crop. Our team proposes the usage of endophytes, which are symbiotic, non-pathogenic bacteria in between the cell walls of plants, to fight diseases. We plan to insert various anti-microbial genes, such as antifungals, chitinase and beta-1 3-glucanase, and anti-bacterial gene anti-Xoo Xa4, into the specific endophyte Methylobacterium radiotolerans. By inserting one plasmid that encodes anti-fungal and anti-microbial genes into M. radiotolerans, an endophyte that transfers from the parent to the offspring via seeds, the endophyte would able be to combat various pathogens and thus protect the crop after transforming into the plant. In the first stage, we plan to practice a prototypical in vivo experiment with Escherichia coli and examine whether the endophyte produces the desired antibacterials and antifungals with SDS-PAGE. Then, we will transform the plasmid into M. radiotolerans, insert the endophyte into the rice plant, and expose the rice plant to bacterial blight and rice blast in another in vivo experiment. Lastly, we will grow the rice seeds and examine whether the endophyte and gene expression continues to exist in the offspring. Our project aims to increase crop yields by limiting disease and aiding in feeding the expanding population worldwide.

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