Optimization of Isolation and Purification of the Microbe-to-Plant Signal Bacillin 20 from Bacillus thuringiensis

Plants are always associated with a well-coordinated and beneficial community of microbes – the phytomicrobiome; this plus the associated plant forms the holobiont, the entity that provides crop yield. There is considerable communication between the phytomicrobiome and the plant, often through signal compounds. Bacillin 20 is a small protein (a peptide) produced by a Bacillus thuringiensis strain and discovered by the Smith laboratory. It improves plant ability to tolerate stress when applied at very low concentrations. One plant response to stress is accelerated flowering, leaving longer time for grain production. The proposed work will evaluate the potential for bacillin 20. This work focuses on bacillin 20 mature and widely used technology (both relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly) for the production of a wide range of agricultural crops (extending all the way from soybean to cannabis). This work will make Canada a global leader in the area of microbe-based biostimulants. Technologies that assist crops in dealing with stress will play a key role in the longer-term development of climate change resilient agriculture.

Faculty Supervisor:

Donald Smith

Student:

Partner:

CXC

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University

Program: