New Insights into Plant Microbiome Research: Restoring Endophytes to Enhance Micropropagation
We are pleased to share a compelling study published in Plants, addressing a key challenge in plant micropropagation: the loss of native endophytes during tissue culture and cryopreservation. This phenomenon, termed “microbiome amnesia,” often results in stunted growth and poor root establishment in plantlets after transfer from in vitro conditions.
Using 16S metataxonomics, the research team first profiled bacterial community shifts from field buds to in vitro shoots. From 112 endophytic isolates, three elite *Bacillus* strains (L3.4, *B. toyonensis* Nt18, and their combination) were selected and reintroduced to ‘Gala’ apple plantlets during the ex vitro hardening phase.
The results demonstrated notable improvements:
- Single strains increased cumulative root length by 21–36% and biomass by up to 46%.
- The bacterial cocktail achieved a 59% increase in root development, an effect attributed primarily to pathogen suppression rather than nutrient acquisition.
This study highlights that a simple bacterial probiotic can effectively counteract tissue-culture-induced microbiome imbalances and accelerate the establishment of elite apple clones—without the need for additional fertilizers.
We extend our gratitude to the authors for entrusting BMKGENE with amplicon and metagenome sequencing services for this impactful research. We are proud to support science at the intersection of microbiology and sustainable agriculture.
Post time: Apr-28-2026
