Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 29, 2026

Isolation of Soil Microorganisms Using iChip Technology
Published on: January 10, 2025
Genetically Modified Plant Beneficial Microorganisms: A Sustainable Solution or a New Challenge for Agriculture
Yang Jiao1, Yiming Liu1, Fuxin Sun1
1School of Resources and Environment, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003 Henan, P. R. China.
None:
Plant diseases significantly impact crop yield and quality, while conventional pesticide treatments often disrupt beneficial plant microbiota essential for pathogen prevention and immune regulation. Although plant beneficial microorganisms (PBMs) show promise as disease control agents, their effectiveness is constrained by strain-dependent variations, survival challenges, and inconsistent immune responses. Recent advances in genetic engineering, particularly CRISPR-Cas systems combined with complementary technologies like RecE/T, enable precise modifications of PBMs to enhance their protective potential. Enhanced PBMs improve functionality via multiple mechanisms: targeted gene-expression-mediated colonization, specific antimicrobial activity, and immune regulation. Studies demonstrate that genetically modified PBMs can prevent and control plant diseases through competitive exclusion, antibiotic production, barrier reinforcement, and immune modulation. We analyzed the considerations for the environmental release of engineered PBMs to reduce risks. Future research should focus on optimizing PBMs for specific applications while addressing biosafety concerns, thereby unlocking their full potential in safeguarding plant health.
Related Concept Videos
Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry
Sustainable Development
Plant Tissue Culture
Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Plant Hormones
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition

