Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025
Inoculation Strategies to Infect Plant Roots with Soil-Borne Microorganisms
Published on: March 1, 2022
Microbial inoculants and invasions: a call to action
Joshua Ladau1, Ashkaan K Fahimipour2, Michelle E Newcomer3
1Arva Intelligence, Inc., Houston, TX, USA; Department of Computational Precision Health, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Microbial inoculants are increasingly used for beneficial purposes in agriculture, bioremediation, and medicine, but they can carry risks of generating invasive microbes. Here, we present a roadmap for guarding against these invasions, proposing developing (i) coherent mechanistic understandings of how microbial inoculants can effect invasions, (ii) predictive models forecasting microbial invasion risks, and (iii) effective management strategies. To guide mechanistic understandings, we distill 17 guiding hypotheses. For predictive modeling, we highlight data collection needs and qualitative approaches. For management strategies, we stress the importance of accurately weighing the risks against benefits. The unified approach presented here provides a route toward an effective research and management infrastructure for microbial inoculants in order to avoid potentially catastrophic microbial invasions.
Insights
Microbial inoculants offer benefits but risk creating invasive microbes. This roadmap proposes understanding mechanisms, predicting risks, and managing strategies to prevent harmful invasions from these beneficial microbes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Ecology
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Microbial inoculants are widely applied in agriculture, bioremediation, and medicine.
- A significant risk associated with microbial inoculants is their potential to cause invasive microbial outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a comprehensive roadmap for preventing microbial invasions originating from microbial inoculants.
- To establish a framework for developing mechanistic understandings, predictive models, and management strategies for microbial inoculant risks.
Main Methods:
- Distilling 17 guiding hypotheses to foster mechanistic understanding of microbial invasions.
- Highlighting data collection needs and qualitative approaches for developing predictive models.
- Emphasizing risk-benefit analysis for effective management strategies.
Main Results:
- The proposed roadmap integrates mechanistic insights, predictive modeling, and strategic management.
- Identified key areas for research and data collection to forecast invasion risks.
- Stressed the critical need for balancing the benefits of microbial inoculants against their potential risks.
Conclusions:
- A unified approach is crucial for building a robust research and management infrastructure for microbial inoculants.
- Proactive strategies are necessary to mitigate the risks of potentially catastrophic microbial invasions.
- This roadmap provides a pathway toward the safe and effective utilization of microbial inoculants.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Bacterial Signaling
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
00:46Bioremediation