Development of bacteria-based plant immunity activators**

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Plant diseases cause major crop losses worldwide, a problem that may worsen with climate change, and current control methods remain inadequate, indicating the urgent need for novel methods for crop protection. This project will investigate Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR), a form of natural immunity elicited by non-pathogenic bacteria, and develop bacterial biostimulants that activate ISR for agricultural applications. Our emerging understanding of the effect of root-colonizing bacteria in the soil microbiome on plant health has re-emphasized the importance of this type of immunity, but the molecular basis of ISR remains to be elucidated. In this project, we will screen cultures of non-pathogenic bacteria (previously isolated from Canadian soil) for their ability to activate ISR through the root system and to promote plant stress tolerance. Moreover, to provide a molecular understanding of ISR, we will use molecular and 'omics analyses to elucidate the mode of action of these bacterial activators of ISR. The outcome of this project will lay a foundation for research to develop new activators of plant immunity and provide environmentally safer alternatives to synthetic chemicals. This project will open up a novel avenue for our partner, the Canada-based biotechnology company Agri-Neo, which has the full capacity to apply the results of the proposed project to develop commercial products for implementation in Canada. In addition, our detailed molecular analysis of the activation of defense by ISR-inducing bacteria through the root system will provide novel scientific information on signal transduction in ISR and further lead to the discovery of novel plant defense signaling components that can be used for breeding programs for disease- and stress-resistant crops. The outcome of this project will have innovative and important agricultural applications and will generate scientific insight into ISR, enabling researchers, plant breeders, and agricultural companies to help crops tolerate the biotic and abiotic stresses produced by climate change. These preparations will help maintain agricultural yields and yield stability to promote global food security and improve agricultural economics by limiting crop losses.**************