The next generation agriculture:spinach-associated microbes as the new pesticide against plant and food borne pathogens in the agrifood sector

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The rapid development of pesticide-resistant microbes, the discovery of new races of phytopathogens, and the constant recurrence of diseases have pushed for advances in the field of drug discovery. Spinach, extracts (i.e., plant sap) in the form of secondary metabolites produced demonstrate antimicrobial activities against a wide range of microbial pathogens. Relevant literature on the potency of plant-derived extracts on phytopathogens and mycotoxin-producing moulds is lacking. This proposal will screen plant- microbiome associated with plant sap from different genetics of spinach using high throughput screening (HTP) assays for bioactivities including growth stimulation and prevention of agriculturally and food borne pathogens. We rationalize that (i) different varieties vary in their quantitative levels of (ii) secondary antimicrobial metabolites and (ii) plant sap harbour microorganisms capable of host-independent biosynthesis of the same or similar bioactive secondary compounds. Global objectives: 1. Study the antimicrobial activity and potency of plant sap against different groups of pathogens by (HTP) bioassays, determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against (a) Fungal pathogens, (b) Bacterial food spoilage pathogens 2. Identify sap associated-microbes and study their functions as biopesticide and/plant biostimulants. 3. Conduct polyphasic assays of the most potent fraction as biopesticide. 4.Develop a nano-composite formulation using the antimicrobial active ingredients and surface modified halloysite nanotubes (HNT) that will provide solutions to extend the shelf-life and improve the commercial value. The commercial products will be evaluated in proof-of-concept under controlled greenhouse conditions. Deliverables. Nano formulations with enhanced bioavailability and targeted delivery of the product for increased reproducibility and durability.