PBN Symposium 2025

The Plant Biologicals Network invites everyone interested to the annual PBN Symposium: An unique opportunity to learn more about plant biologicals and network with PBN members to share knowledge and discuss experiences. 

Program

8:30-9:00

Registration

9:00-9:10

Welcome & opening address in the context of Biosolutions initiatives by Svend Christensen, PBN Chairperson and Prof. at University of Copenhagen

9:10-10:25

Session 1: Hot topics in biologicals

Raffaella Balestrini, Research Director, National Research Council of Italy
Implementing Plant-Microbe Interactions in Plant breeding – Breeding for a beneficial microbiome

Roeland Berendsen, Dr., Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University
From soil-borne legacies to predictive microbiomes: digital phenotyping of plant-microbe interactions

3 x flash talks

10:25-10:55

Coffee break

10:55-12.10

Session 2: Hands-on experiences

Ferdinando Binacchi, Senior Specialist, SEGES Innovation & Philipp Trénel, Senior Consultant at Danish Technological Institute
Development and Testing of Biologicals in Collaboration with Research and Industry

2 x Video presentations
Hands-on experience with biologicals

3 x flash talks

12:10-13:10

Lunch & Open space breakout workshop

13:10-13:40

Panel discussion

Topic
What is sustainable farming? – perspectives and acceptance of biologicals in organic and regenerative farming

Panellists
Casper Boisen Rolighed, Independent farmer, CBR Agro
Niels Hansen, Independent farmer and board member at Danish Association for Conservation Tillage
Frederik Reventlow, Land owner, Agerup Farm

Moderator
Marie-Louise Boisen Lendal, CEO, Think Tank Frej

13:40-14:25

Poster session and coffee

14:25-15:40

Session 3: Lab to field transmission

Alberto Acedo, Co-founder and CSO, Biome Makers
From Microbiome to Management: AI Tools to Accelerate Farm Resilience

Tomislav Cernava, Associate Professor, University of Southampton
Securing crop production via Microbiome genes

3 x flash talks

15.40-16.10

Coffee break & group photo

16.10-17.00

Session 4: Regulation

Nina Cedergreen, Professor, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen
ENSAFE – Investigation of the environmental impact of RNA- and peptide-based biopesticides

Anne Louise Gimsing, Senior Consultant, Danish Ministry of Environment and Gender Equality
Regulation of biological plant protection products in Denmark and the EU

3 x flash talks

17:00-17:05

Closing of the symposium and final words by Mette Walter, PBN Deputy Chairperson and Deputy Director at Danish Technological Institute

17:05-19:00

Reception

Location

The Copenhagen Plant Science Centre auditorium
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences
University of Copenhagen
Bülowsvej 21A
1871 Frederiksberg

Raffaella Balestrini

Implementing Plant-Microbe interactions in Plant breeding – Breeding for a beneficial microbiome  

Root systems are increasingly recognized as key targets for the development of climate-resilient, high-yielding, and sustainable crops. Beyond their structural roles, roots mediate interactions with soil microbes and environmental factors, allowing plants to cope with stresses and optimize resource acquisition. Root-associated soil microbes play a crucial role in the response, adaptation, and resilience to adverse environmental conditions and they are increasingly recognized for their role in improving plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, including water deficit and salt stress. Among them, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) show great potential for sustainability and stability in agricultural production. This talk will offer an overview of recent research aimed at verifying the role of these beneficial soil fungi, to enhance plant tolerance to environmental stresses, giving attention to i) the mechanisms involved in this improvement and ii) how plant genotype, root traits, and growth environments influence these interactions, and consequently plant resilience and productivity.

Roeland Berendsen

From soil-borne legacies to predictive microbiomes: digital phenotyping of plant-microbe interactions

Microbiomes are integral to plant health and resilience, yet their potential for sustainable agriculture is only beginning to be realized. Our work shows that plants under pathogen attack actively recruit protective microbes, establishing a soil-borne legacy that enhances the resistance of subsequent plant generations. In parallel, we demonstrated that the seed tuber microbiome predicts potato vigor, providing a novel quality parameter for crop production. These studies highlight the dual role of the plant microbiome as both a dynamic defense partner and a predictive marker of performance. To move from correlation to mechanism, we use high-resolution phenotyping at the Netherlands Plant Eco-phenotyping Centre (NPEC). These platforms enable controlled, time-resolved analyses of plant performance in relation to microbiome composition, allowing us to uncover how plants orchestrate microbial recruitment under stress. This integrative approach opens new avenues to understand and harness plant–microbe interactions for resilient agroecosystems.

Ferdinando Binacchi

Development and testing of Biologicals in Collaboration with Research and Industry

30 years of testing biostimulants in the field – lessons learned and the way forward based on decades of trials, SEGES Innovation and Danish Technological Institute share insights on the evolution of biostimulant testing in the field. Meta-regression across years of data reveals key patterns, lessons, and future directions for research and practice.

Philipp Trénel

Development and testing of Biologicals in Collaboration with Research and Industry

30 years of testing biostimulants in the field – lessons learned and the way forward based on decades of trials, SEGES Innovation and Danish Technological Institute share insights on the evolution of biostimulant testing in the field. Meta-regression across years of data reveals key patterns, lessons, and future directions for research and practice.

Alberto Acedo

From Microbiome to Management: AI Tools to Accelerate Farm Resilience

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping agriculture by enabling data-driven strategies that improve efficiency and crop resilience. At Biome Makers, we integrate AI with the world’s largest soil microbiome database, over a decade of field trials, and >1000 life-environmental dataset per sample to promote soil health through three pillars. A high-resolution mapping system projects soil health indicators such as nutrition, disease risk, and stress adaptation. The Best Fit Solution module delivers tailored agronomic recommendations, while the Biodiversity Rate system validates sustainability practices and enhances transparency. Together, these tools empower growers to demonstrate field improvements and accelerate the transition toward sustainable agriculture.

Tomislav Cernava

Securing crop production via Microbiome genes

Plant diseases pose a significant challenge to global agriculture, calling for innovative strategies beyond conventional chemical treatments. The increasing prevalence of phytopathogens is not only facilitated by climate change, but also rapidly evolving resistances against conventional pesticides. Recent advances in microbiome research have highlighted the potential of Microbiome genes (M genes) in shaping plant-associated microbial communities to enhance disease resistance. We have shown that microbiome-shaping host genes can influence microbial composition, leading to improved pathogen resistance. For instance, increased activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) genes was shown to enrich antagonistic bacteria in the microbiome of different crop plants, reducing susceptibility to fungal and bacterial infections. Pseudomonadales and other M gene-responsive bacterial groups efficiently increase the defence repertoires of their host plants. Our findings will be useful for integrating M genes into plant breeding programs to develop crops with enhanced disease resistance. By identifying and selecting plants with favourable microbiome-shaping gene variants, breeders will be able to cultivate varieties that naturally acquire and maintain beneficial microbial communities.

Nina Cedergreen

ENSAFE – Investigation of the environmental impact of RNA- and peptide-based biopesticides

ENSAFE is a Novo Nordisk Funded Grand Challenge Project which aims at generating the scientific foundation needed for environmental risk assessment of RNA- and peptide-based plant protection products. As products based on both double stranded RNA and designed peptides target processes in pests that are (or may be) specific for the genotypes of the pests, our vision is to develop in silico tools to predict which organisms may be susceptible or are not susceptible to specific products. We will underpin these predictions with data and fill in some of the many data gaps for these new types of plant protection products. In this presentation I will present the consortium and expertise and give a short overview of our strategy to obtain our goal, and maybe some initial results. We will be very interested in engaging with industry and regulators to ensure that needs, concerns, and benefits are translated into a science-based framework identifying and assessing risk.

Anne Louise Gimsing

Regulation of biological plant protection products in Denmark and the EU

The presentation will give an introduction to the regulation of plant protection products in the EU and Denmark with an emphasis on biological plant protection products. Even though biological plant protection products are not yet defined in the regulation, a number of active substances which could be regarded as such are already approved. The presentation will introduce the following substance categories: microorganisms, low-risk and basic substances. In Denmark there is an ambition to promote the use of alternatives to the conventional chemical plant protection products. The initiatives to achieve this goal are presented. The Commission have presented a simplification omnibus proposal with the purpose of accelerating the access to the EU market for biocontrol substances and products. The content of the proposal will be presented.

Abstracts for flash talks, poster session, and open space breakout workshop

The Hidden Treasure of the Baltic Sea for Sustainable Bioindustries

T. Ilmjärv, V. Kasuk^1,

¹ Vetik OÜ

Abstract
Vetik OÜ is an Estonian startup developing a biorefinery process for underutilized local red seaweed resources in the Baltic Sea. Between Estonia’s two largest islands lies a natural stock dominated by Furcellaria lumbricalis and, to a lesser extent, Coccotylus truncatus. This area contains an estimated 150,000 tons of biomass, with existing harvesting licences allowing up to 2,000 tons annually. In addition, significant quantities of the same biomass accumulate as beachcast material. However, only a small portion of this potential is currently utilized due to the lack of well-established value chains.
To unlock this opportunity, Vetik is developing a cascading biorefinery process that maximizes the value derived from each unit of biomass while ensuring environmental sustainability. In collaboration with scientific partners across Europe, we are developing and validating extraction methods for plant growth–promoting biostimulants derived from red seaweed. Early trials have shown promising results in both seed treatment and foliar application.
The outcomes of this work will guide the establishment of a pilot-scale biorefinery and lay the groundwork for a sustainable and scalable seaweed-based bioindustry in the Baltic region—one that creates value in coastal communities while contributing to the health of marine ecosystems.

Plant genotype-specific modulation of biocontrol of diseases in wheat

Sidhant Chaudhary¹ , Mukesh Dubey¹ , Dan Funck Jensen¹ , Laura Grenville-Briggs², Magnus Karlsson

¹Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden, ²Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden

Abstract
Sustainable crop production requires the reduction of chemical pesticides, and the use of beneficial microorganisms such as biological control agents (BCAs) are recommended as a sustainable alternative for disease management. However, the interaction between a host plant and a BCA can influence its biocontrol efficacy, which is currently not well understood. To better understand the role of plant genetic variation in influencing biocontrol efficacy, a winter wheat germplasm of approximately 200 genotypes was explored under controlled conditions for biocontrol efficacy of the BCA Clonostachys rosea during interactions with two pathogens, i.e. Zymoseptoria tritici causing septoria tritici blotch (STB) and Fusarium graminearum causing fusarium foot rot (FFR). In both pathosystems, significant phenotypic variation was observed for disease susceptibility and C. rosea biocontrol efficacy. However, C. rosea efficacy varied in managing STB (positive effect: 7 genotypes, negative effect: 11 genotypes) and FFR (positive effect: 180 genotypes), suggesting that biocontrol efficacy can be specific not only to plant genotype but also to pathogen and/or plant tissue. Moreover, disease susceptibility and biocontrol efficacy were positively correlated, but distinct marker-trait associations were identified using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The independent inheritance of disease susceptibility and C. rosea biocontrol efficacy offers the potential for simultaneous selection of these traits in future breeding programs. A few plant defence-related genes were co-localized in GWAS identified regions for C. rosea biocontrol efficacy. This work will serve as a basis for future studies to further characterize the loci associated with plant-BCA interactions, which ultimately can improve the efficacy of biocontrol applications.

Breeding for improved robustness of biostimulants: wheat diversity panels reveal genotypic differences in the responsiveness of root and shoot growth towards PGPR

Ajay Madhusudan Sorty1, Wenjing Tian1, Eleftheria Seira1¤, Christian Lynghøj Vang1, Viktoria Naoumi1¥, Chandana Pandey1, Daniel Buchvaldt Amby1#, Thomas Roitsch1

¹Department of Plant and Environment Science, University of Copenhagen, Højbakkegård Alle 5, 2630
Taastrup, Denmark
¥Present address: Faculty of Science, Utrecht University
#Present address: Aarhus University, Department of Agroecology, Crop health, Denmark
¤Present address:University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK

Abstract
Microbial associations within the rhizosphere comprise a pivotal determinant of plant growth, development, and stress resiliency. This results in an increased interest in the use of beneficial microbes as biostimulants although their widespread application is still hampered by a lack of robustness across pedoclimatic conditions and cultivars. The plant-responsiveness to microbes therefore makes a critical determinant of overall performance. Within a screening of 24 plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) using a seedling growth bioassay with barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), cultivar Guld, we have identified five strains that inhibit root growth and resulted in a change of root architecture with thicker roots and induction of root hair formation. This simple and robust bioassay has been used to assess the impact of the plant genotype on the response towards the five bacterial strains. Thus, the 50 genotypes of two diversity panels of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) have been screened. Although the general impact of the applied PGPR was an inhibition of root and shoot growth, substantial genotypic differences in the magnitude of the response were evident. Thus, incorporating the plant-responsiveness to microbial inocula within belowground ecological dynamics as a selection criterion into breeding will help leveraging beneficial interactions to impose heritable, plastic responses, enhanced resource-use efficiency, drought adaptation, and disease resistance. Taken together, these findings signify an early-stage phenotyping and selection approach towards microbial biostimulants to complement and redefine “microbe-assisted breeding” beyond the recruitment of a beneficial microbiome for cereal crops, aligning genomic potential with rhizosphere ecology and management interventions.

Api-vectoring potential of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana by Bombus terrestris for thrips control in strawberry production

Morgane Ourry¹, Marta Montoro¹, Søren S. Henriksen¹, Anastasia Karatza¹, Katja K. Nielsen¹, Paulo
Stipanic¹, Zhicong Wu¹, Antoine Lecocq¹, Annette B. Jensen¹, Nicolai V. Meyling¹

¹ Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen

Abstract
Thrips infestations are increasingly problematic in early-season tunnel strawberry production, with limited control options available. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana shows promise as a microbial control agent, though direct targeting of thrips remains difficult. While api-vectoring is used against grey mold in strawberries via the ‘Flying Doctors’ hive (BioBest, Belgium), few studies have explored its use for insect pest control. This study investigated the potential of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) to vector B. bassiana (BotaniGard WP) to strawberry flowers to target Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), and assessed the impact of fungal exposure on bumblebees’ survival and hive contamination. Laboratory and greenhouse experiments evaluated thrips and bumblebee survival at various fungal concentrations, vectoring capacity, efficacy on thrips reproduction, bumblebee activity, and fungal distribution in hives. Laboratory results showed that both thrips and bumblebees are susceptible to B. bassiana. About 50% thrips mortality was achieved with low conidia concentrations. Bumblebee workers exposed to BotaniGard WP experienced complete mortality, while incubation with five nestmates resulted in mortality of approx. 1/3 of the individuals. In greenhouse experiments, bumblebees deposited ∼105 CFU per flower and vectored the fungus back to the hive, with 102–103 CFU found in hive areas and up to 105 CFU in cells. Despite high fungal levels, bumblebee survival was unaffected in the greenhouse setup, though foraging activities declined slightly over time. This project promotes the multifunctionality of commercial bumblebee hives and targeted biopesticide use, laying groundwork for broader api-vectoring applications and informed risk assessment on hives when using microbial control agents.

Identifying and evaluating local Trichoderma strains for biocontrol of coffee diseases in Bolivia

Marisel Mamani¹, Carla Crespo², Dan Funck Jensen¹, Magnus Karlsson¹, Mukesh Dubey¹

¹Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Science,
Uppsala, Sweden.
²Instituto de Investigaciones Fármaco Bioquímicas, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz,
Bolivia.

Abstract
Coffee has gained popularity in recent times and is the second best-selling drink in the word. Consequently, more than 80 countries grow coffee. In Bolivia, coffee production plays an important role for the economy. Ninety-six percent of Bolivian coffee production is concentrated in the provinces of Caranavi-La Paz. The production of coffee crops is threatened by negative abiotic and biotic factors, especially high humidity and fungal diseases, which can drastically reduce coffee production. Biological control is a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticide application and has the potential to play an important role in future integrated pest management-based strategies for plant disease control. In this project, we aimed to identify local Trichoderma strains from the coffee-growing areas in Bolivia and test their biocontrol potential against coffee diseases. The samples were collected from different ecosystems (including roots of coffee plants, rhizosphere, fallow and forest) in the three areas of Taipiplaya-Caranavi at different altitudes. The isolation of Trichoderma strains was carried out using a Trichoderma semi-selective medium amended with Rose Bengal. Based on morphological identification, a total of 485 isolates of Trichoderma were isolated. Based on morphology and growth rate, 100 Trichoderma strains were evaluated for their biocontrol potential against anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum. Seventy-five strains significantly (P < 0.05) reduced lesions on coffee leaves, limiting Colletotrichum infection. These strains are currently being subjected to molecular identification by sequencing the ITS, tef1 and rpb2

Low-risk pesticides to manage cereal diseases in Norway

Andrea Ficke & Anette Sundbye, NIBIO

Abstract
Diseases in wheat and barley can significantly reduce crop yield and quality under Norwegian growing conditions, thereby inhibit the national goal of increased self-sufficiency in food products. Disease pressure in cereals varies annually and is closely linked to climatic conditions, agricultural practices and the level of host susceptibility. Due to the relatively small market size in Norway, the availability of products with antifungal properties are limited. In a national two-year project (2024-2025), we compiled a list of antifungal products suitable to use against diseases in cereals. A field experiment was conducted in two locations to compare the efficacy of these products with conventional fungicides commonly used in cereal crops in Norway. Thiovit (Sulphur), Charge (Chitosanhydrochloride), Serenade (Bacillus amyloliquiefaciens) and Vacciplant (Laminarin) were selected as low-risk pesticides. These products were applied 4-5 times during the season either individually or in combination. The results indicated that conventional fungicides are the most effective treatment against yellow rust and leaf blotch diseases, when disease pressure was low to medium. However, repeated application of Serenade, and Serenade in combination with Vacciplant, or a combination of Thiovit, Vacciplant and Charge, reduced early disease development compared to the untreated control. Field trial data to optimize the use of low-risk pesticides and support cereal farmers in minimizing their reliance on conventional pesticides are still very limited. More field trials are needed to adjust application timing and dosage of low-risk pesticides and support their use on commercial farms in the future.

Unravelling the tomato core microbiome for beneficial microbial consortium design: Swedish farms as a case study

Cristiana Correia¹, Mukesh Dubey¹, Vahideh Rafiei¹, Johan A. Stenberg², Magnus Karlsson¹

¹ Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences,
Uppsala, Sweden, ² Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of
Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden

Abstract
The study of tomato microbiome plays a critical role in understanding plant health, growth, and resilience. In particular, understanding the interactions between different members of the plant microbiome, including the pathogens and beneficial microbes, can provide a more holistic view of microbiome-plant interactions useful for formulating effective disease control strategies. Here, we characterize the core microbiome of tomato rhizosphere and phyllosphere from geographically distinct commercial farms in Sweden, to get a deeper understanding of the natural microbial structure of healthy tomato plants, and investigate whether tomato plants with aboveground A. solani or P. infestans infection can recruit beneficial rhizosphere microbes to resist subsequent pathogen infection.
Analysis of tomato phyllosphere composition and diversity across six plant cultivars revealed a cultivar-dependent microbiome, while tomato rhizosphere revealed significantly different alpha and beta diversity across the two sampling sites. Regarding the effect of pathogen leaf inoculation on bacteria recruitment at the rhizosphere level, this study shows a significant modulation of the rhizosphere microbiome depending on the plant health status and on the pathosystem.
Through these combined lines of investigation, we gained insight into the core microbiome of tomato rhizosphere and phyllosphere and assessed rhizosphere microbiome shifts upon leaf pathogen attack. Studying the microbial community in the tomato phyllosphere and rhizosphere may pave the way for creating more efficient and sustainable disease management approaches, such as a microbial consortium.

Determination of the metabolic holobiont biosignatures by cell physiological phenotyping to assess responsiveness to beneficial microbes and improve the lab to field translation

Thomas Roitsch¹

¹Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract
The plant physiology is the key interface to integrate the impact of microbes within the complex genotypes x environment x management interaction. To facilitate the integration of cell physiology into a holistic functional phenomics approach and to complement molecular OMICs techniques a semi-highthroughput analytical platform was established to determine the activity signatures of 33 key enzymes of carbohydrate, antioxidant and nitrogen metabolism. The suitability was verified in case studies through assessment of the response to plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), endophytic fungi and microalgae applied via seed coating or application to the roots or rhizosphere. Inoculation of tomato roots with growth promoting Pseudomonas strains induces distinct local and systemic biosignatures. The same applies to the cytokinin-producing Pseudomonas fluorescens G20-18 which primes tomato for enhanced drought stress responses. Determination of activity fingerprints revealed that tomato growth promotion by the fungal endophyte Serendipita indica is associated with sucrose de-novo synthesis in roots. Seed coating of maize with Bacillus licheniformis FMCH001 increases water use efficiency and resulted in distinct impacts on carbohydrate and antioxidant enzymes. Finally, this strain was used for a comparative analyses of controlled environment experiment with different soil types obtained for the corresponding field trial sites. The biosignatures correlate with the impact of the seed coated Bacillus on yield related traits and allow predictions on field performance. In summary, a proof of concept ´was obtained that enzyme activity profiling is a robust predictor of the responsiveness of a plant to the interaction with beneficial microbes and has a potential to improve the success rate of lab to field translations.

Different formulations of the bacterium Pseudomonas sp. TF2 controls Septoria tritici blotch in wheat

Christos Michas, Birgit Jensen, Hans Jørgen Lyngs Jørgensen
Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen

Abstract
Septoria tritici blotch, caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, is one of the most destructive, yield-reducing wheat diseases worldwide. Currently, disease management relies mainly on resistant cultivars and fungicide applications. However, resistance levels are moderate and cultivars become susceptible after few years due to pathogen adaptation. Control based on fungicides is also under pressure since the pathogen develops resistance against them and products are withdrawn from the marked due to environmental concerns. This has led to an increased interest in biological control using a range of organisms.
The GUDP-financed project “New microbial consortia for control of fungal diseases in cereals” (https://gudp.dk/alle-projekter/projektbibliotek/oversigt/2022/new-microbial-consortia-for-control-of-fungal-diseases-in-cereals) is a collaboration between the company Nordic Microbes, Aarhus University and University of Copenhagen. The project aims, among others, to control Septoria tritici blotch using bacteria identified by a new technology, MicrobeTRAP (https://nordicmicrobes.dk/en/about-us/#teknologi). At University of Copenhagen, we have tested the bacterial strain Pseudomonas sp. TF2 against the disease under growth chamber conditions.
TF2 was applied 24-72 hours before pathogen inoculation either as a diluted bacterial culture or as a resuspended dried cell powder. Furthermore, diluted bacterial cultures and resuspended powder were tested in pure form or with the additives lecithin and xanthan. Serenade ASO (Bayer Crop Science) was included as a reference treatment. For TF2, disease reductions of 40-50% were observed in several experiments with both diluted cultures and dried powder which is remarkable since the experiments provide very conducive conditions for disease development. Testing is continuing to obtain a better understanding of the effect under varying conditions as well as the mechanisms by which TF2 controls the pathogen.

From Microbial Function to Field Application: Establishing a Global Pipeline for Biofertilizer Development

Gloria Muñoz Fernández, Lucas Levassor, Parvathy Krishnan, Søren D. Petersen, Yumiko Sakuragi, Lars Jelsbak, Rasmus J. N. Frandsen.

Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.

Abstract
The global shift toward sustainable agriculture demands efficient and reliable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers, which contribute to soil degradation, nutrient runoff, and environmental pollution. Microbial biofertilizers is the need of the hour and offer a promising solution by enhancing nutrient cycling, soil health, and plant resilience. However, their development is limited by fragmented discovery efforts and poor scalability from lab to field. To address these challenges, we are developing a standardized R&D pipeline that bridges laboratory discovery with real-world application. This integrated framework combines laboratory automation, high-throughput trait assays (e.g., nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization), mode-of-action studies, and fermentability assessments with scalable production workflows, biosafety evaluation, and multi-environment field trials. All data are captured in FAIR-compliant formats, ensuring reproducibility, data sharing, and alignment across international partners. Along the way we aim to benchmark potential candidate strains across standardized assays ensuring reproducibility and comparability of biofertiliser performance. Further,  we aim to develop predictive models that can prioritize promising strains and guide formulation strategies for robust, high-performing biofertilizers. Our long-term goal is to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers while enhancing global crop productivity and soil health. Through automation, data integration, and international collaboration, this pipeline lays the foundation for a scalable biofertiliser innovation ecosystem, supporting the transition to a sustainable and resilient bioeconomy.

A field reliable experimental pathosystem integrated with early detection to study biocontrol against black dot and silver scurf diseases in potato.

Apsara Indhu Gopan¹, Isaac Kwesi Abuley¹, Sabine Ravnskov¹

¹Department of Agroecology, Aarhus University, Denmark

Abstract
Silver scurf (Helminthosporium solani) and black dot (Colletotrichum coccodes) are economically significant tuber blemish diseases affecting potato quality and marketability. Existing methods for studying these diseases rely on mini-tuber assays, root dipping, tuber coating with conidial suspensions, or direct soil inoculation, but these methods have limitations in reproducibility and field application. Here, we established an improved pathosystem for reliable assessment of silver scurf and black dot under both laboratory and field conditions. Tuber disc inoculation method developed in 12-well plates provided a controlled and space efficient system for evaluating disease severity under lab conditions. In the field, an effective pathosystem was developed using tubers coated with conidial suspensions as seed inoculum and pathogen grown on vermiculite as soil inoculum. Both inoculation methods consistently induced infections, as validated through visual severity assessments and molecular tools (qPCR and ddPCR), facilitating accurate and early detection of disease dynamics. Vermiculite-based soil inoculation proved effective compared to tuber inoculum, inducing rapid infection under both cold (5 °C, 95% RH) and warm (22 °C, 95% RH) storage conditions. This pathosystem offers a potential model for studying disease management strategies, including biocontrol efficacy, tolerance screening, and fungicide resistance assessments against black dot and silver scurf diseases in both lab and field conditions. Furthermore, it can also be adapted to study other tuber blemish diseases in potatoes.

Identification of receptors involved in interactions between plant hosts and an entomopathogenic fungus

Andi Wilson¹, Henrik H. de Fine Licht¹

¹ Section of Organismal Biology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract
Entomopathogenicity, the ability to infect insects, has evolved multiple times in fungi. Many of these fungi have been exploited as biocontrol agents in agricultural settings, where they are used to manage populations of insect pests. Some of these entomopathogens also maintain the ability to associate with plant roots, often this is mutually beneficial, with nitrogen and carbon being traded between the two species. However, how the fungi sense and recognize insect and plant hosts is not well known. This research aimed to identify genes responsible for this fungus-plant interaction, particularly during plant-root recognition. A comparative transcriptomics experiment compared gene expression profiles of two Metarhizium species on insect- and plant-derived media. The fungi represented ecological extremes, with M. brunneum being a generalist insect pathogen and known plant associate and M. acridum being a locust-specialist with no known plant associates. This identified three Pth11 G-protein couple receptors (GPCRs) that were unique to Metarhizium generalists and that were only up-regulated in response to the plant-derived medium. One of these GPCRs was further shown to be phylogenetically related to GPCRs known for their role in plant recognition in two phytopathogenic fungi. Taken together, these results suggest that several Pth11 GPCRs may be responsible for the capacity of generalist Metarhizium species to recognize and respond to the presence of suitable plant hosts. Future research should include knockout studies of these genes to confirm this function and comparative genomics studies to determine whether these are newly evolved genes in generalist species or genes that have been lost in the specialists.

Catulia® bionematicide in bananas

Andréanne Bouchard¹, Gil Suan², Sylwia Fudali-Alves³, Dattatray Shitole⁴

¹ Global Plant Health, FMC European Innovation Center, Denmark, ² APAC Commercial, FMC Agro Philippines, Inc., Philippines, ³ Global Research & Development, FMC corporation, USA, ⁴ APAC Commercial, FMC India Private Limited, India

Abstract
Catulia® is a bionematicide Suspension Concentrate (SC) formulation containing spores of Bacillus paralicheniformis FMCH001 and Bacillus subtilis FMCH002. These strains have been shown to effectively colonize crop root systems. During colonization, the bacilli modify root exudate composition, making the roots less attractive to plant-parasitic nematodes and thereby reducing their ability to locate and damage the roots.
Both FMCH001 and FMCH002 bacilli strains also produce volatile organic compounds that promote root development and enhance plant growth, contributing to improved water use efficiency and greater tolerance to drought stress.
The same strains were originally formulated as a Water-Dispersible Powder for Slurry Seed Treatment (WS) in Quartzo®, commercialized in Brazil since 2018. Quartzo® received the 2020 Crop Science Forum and Awards top honor as Best New Biological Product (Biopesticide). Its main use has been as an in-furrow bionematicide for sugarcane. Comparative field trials in sugarcane demonstrated that Catulia® SC provided competitive control of both root-knot and spiral nematodes compared with Quartzo® WS, while simplifying the tank-mix preparation for the user.
Catulia® was further tested in banana plantations as a soil application. Treated seedlings exhibited significantly greater height and more extensive root systems compared to untreated controls. In field trials, Catulia® provided significant reduction of burrowing nematode population and root protection from nematode damage and matched performance of synthetic standards long term.
These results highlight the effectiveness and versatility of Catulia® as a biological solution for nematode management in bananas and other crops.

Ataplan® to Provilar® in soybeans, biofungicide repositioning in Brazil

Andréanne Bouchard¹, Leonardo Silva Antolini², Douglas Bottrel ³

¹ Global Plant Health, FMC European Innovation Center, Denmark, ² LATAM Commercial, FMC Quimica do Brasil Ltda., Brazil, ³ LATAM Commercial, FMC Quimica do Brasil Ltda., Brazil

Abstract
Ataplan® and Provilar® are biofungicide Suspension Concentrate (SC) formulations containing spores of Bacillus velezensis RTI301 and Bacillus subtilis RTI477. Both products use endospores, improving shelf life and compatibility in tank mixes with other crop protection products.
Ataplan® was developed for seed and in-furrow applications to control soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Pythium spp. and Colletotrichum spp. These pathogens reduce germination, affect seedling emergence, and can cause tipping-over, ultimately lowering plant stand, yield potential, and grain quality. In Brazilian soybean trials, Ataplan® increased productivity by 10–40%. Its prolonged activity is linked to effective colonization of the radicle and roots, providing extended protection during early crop development.
The same bacilli strains were later evaluated for foliar use and showed strong efficacy against white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum). This led to repositioning the product as Provilar® for foliar application in soybeans. Provilar® provides long-lasting preventive action through a combination of antibiosis, competition for space and nutrients on leaf surfaces, and the systemic induction of plant resistance. Like Ataplan®, Provilar® is fully compatible with chemical fungicides, allowing flexible integration into existing spray programs.
This repositioning highlights the versatility of these bacilli species as biofungicides and their potential role in integrated soybean disease management strategies in Brazil.

Do accessory chromosomes shape the dual lifestyle of plant-symbiotic, insect-pathogenic Metarhizium fungi?

Aleksandra Zofia Gęsiorska¹, Andi Wilson¹, Henrik Hjarvard De Fine Licht¹

¹ Section for Organismal Biology, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Abstract
Plant root-symbiotic, insect-pathogenic fungi of the genus Metarhizium represent promising biological control agents for agricultural pests, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. With their cosmopolitan distribution and dual ability to infect insects and associate with plant roots, these fungi occupy a unique ecological niche linking plant health and pest management. However, there is considerable intra-species heterogeneity within Metarhizium, with isolates often differing in insect virulence and degree of plant interaction, suggesting a genomic basis for this variation. Accessory chromosomes, which frequently carry genes involved in host adaptation and secondary metabolism, are hypothesized to contribute to these phenotypic differences.
To explore this link, we performed comparative transcriptomic profiling of two Metarhizium brunneum strains – one lacking accessory chromosomes and one possessing two distinct accessory chromosomes – across conditions representing early and late stages of insect infection (Locusta migratoria) and root colonization of a monocot (Hordeum vulgare) and a dicot (Arabidopsis thaliana). The ongoing analyses reveal the distinct transcriptional patterns associated with infection stages, plant hosts, and fungal strains. The next step is to analyze differentially expressed genes located on accessory chromosomes and determine whether genes located on these chromosomes are particularly active during mutualistic-plant or pathogenic-insect interactions.
These findings will highlight the contribution of accessory chromosomes to the flexible lifestyle of M. brunneum, and how presence/absence polymorphisms shape its capacity to transition between insect pathogenicity and plant symbiosis. Insights from this study will advance understanding of fungal genome plasticity and inform the development of next-generation microbial biologicals for sustainable crop protection.

Breeding for better biocontrol symbiosis of Trichoderma afroharzianum against Aphanomyces cochlioides in sugar beet

Bradley R. Dotson¹,², Kenneth M. Fredlund³,†, Allan G. Rasmusson¹, and Laura Grenville- Briggs²

¹Division of Molecular Biosciences, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund Sweden ²Unit of
Integrated Plant Protection, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of
Agricultural Sciences Alnarp, Sweden
³DLF Beet Seed A.B., Landskrona, Sweden,
†Deceased

Abstract
The oomycete genus Aphanomyces causes several plant diseases, particularly affecting crops in the Amaranthaceae family, such as beets, spinach, and quinoa. Aphanomyces cochlioides is harmful to Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (sugar beet), causing two distinct diseases at different life stages, both of which lead to significant yield losses. Natural parasites of oomycetes, such as fungi from the Trichoderma genus, have been used to manage various crop diseases. However, the relationship between host plant disease resistance and the biocontrol and biostimulatory effects of beneficial microbes like members of the genus Trichoderma remains poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of Trichoderma afroharzianum T22, a biocontrol agent and plant symbiont, against A. cochlioides in inbred sugar beet breeding lines. While T. afroharzianum successfully reduced disease symptoms in some lines, surprisingly, it worsened symptoms in others. Our findings suggest that these genotype-dependent responses extend to other biocontrol agents and that T. afroharzianum-related effects persist under semi-field conditions. Additionally, we observed significant variation in the growth-promoting effects of T. afroharzianum among elite sugar beet breeding lines that is independent of biocontrol traits. These results have led us to hypothesize that independent host plant genetic factors may be important for the success of microbial symbionts in biocontrol, biostimulation, and plant-microbe interactions. Future research will focus on identifying these genetic factors and incorporating them into breeding programs to enhance crop resilience and improve symbiotic interactions.

When the pathogen becomes the prey: responses of Phytophthora infestans and Botrytis cinerea to mycoparasitism

Florian Rocher1, Jenifer Seematti Sundar1, Ramesh R. Vetukuri2, Laura Grenville-Briggs1

1Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
2Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden

Abstract
The ability of an organism to sense potential microbial threats and mount an immune response is one of the hallmarks of all life on earth. Innate immunity has been well studied in humans, animals and plants however, it remains underexplored in other Eukaryotic lineages. This study examines how two well-known phytopathogens with differing life histories respond to attack by the mycoparasitic oomycetes Pythium oligandrum and Pythium periplocum. Phytophthora infestans is a hemibiotrophic oomycete that causes late blight in potato and tomato and infection mechanisms via the secretion of effectors, molecules that modulate host plant defences and facilitate plant infection have been extensively characterised. Botrytis cinerea is a fungal necrotrophic phytopathogen characterized by its broad host range and the secretion of an arsenal of toxins, cell wall degrading enzymes and effectors that induce plant cell death. The molecular components underlying the responses of these two Eukaryotic microbes to mycoparasitism by the Pythium species were investigated in vitro using RNAseq. Taking a biologically oriented gene mining approach, we mapped the processes involved in the responses to antagonism in the two prey species, covering recognition of the antagonist through putative NLRs, RLKs and GPCRs, signal transduction, gene regulation, detoxification and secreted defence or counter-attack molecules. Our data suggest effectors may have more diverse functions than previously thought, including roles in generalised stress responses or microbe-microbe interactions. Taken together, our results shed light on a poorly understood part of the biology of filamentous Eukaryotic microbes and represent a valuable resource to understand the potential of plant pathogens to develop resistance to biological control.

Abstract Microbe mediated earliness: The PGPR Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 promotes early flowering of Arabidopsis

Chandana Pandey1, Elena Roitsch2, Saqib Saleem Akhtar1, Kristin Dietel3, Stephan Wenkel4, Alexander Steffen5, Dorothee Staiger5, Thomas Roitsch1

1 Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
2 Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute for Genetics, Germany.
3 ABiTEP GmbH, Berlin, Germany
4 Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Sweden
5 RNA Biology and Molecular Physiology, Bielefeld University, Germany

Abstract
Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are well known for enhancing plant growth and stress resilience, yet their influence on developmental transitions such as flowering remains poorly understood. Here, within a PGPR screening, we identified Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 as a potent inducer of early flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana under short-day conditions. Among the tested strains, only the wild type significantly accelerated flowering, whereas none of the FZB42 mutants showed this phenotype, highlighting the requirement for intact bacterial functionalities, including efficient root colonization.
To functionally address the underlying mechanism, we have used Arabidopsis flowering-time mutants and demonstrated that FZB42-induced early flowering depends on CONSTANS (CO) and SENSITIVITY TO RED LIGHT REDUCED 1 (SRR1) functions but occurs independently of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). Expression analyses further showed activation of the CO-TSF (TWIN SISTER OF FT) module and downstream floral integrator genes, revealing a novel microbial route for photoperiodic regulation of flowering bypassing the FT locus. Notably, this earliness was not linked to bacterial cytokinin biosynthesis, indicating a distinct mechanism of microbial signaling. Our findings establish that a single bacterial inoculum can modulate flowering time via specific host plant genetic regulatory pathways, expanding the known scope of plant-microbe interactions beyond growth and defense responses. The FZB42-induced earliness represents an important agronomic trait associated with improved adaptation and yield stability under variable environmental conditions. The FZB42-induced earliness offers practical agronomic advantages by enabling crops to better adapt through a simple, species-independent crop management intervention, instead of lengthy breeding approaches with only specific cultivars of a given species.

Boosting the performance of Pythium oligandrum and Pythium periplocum for biostimulation in potato

Natalia Ramírez Carrera¹, Åsa Lankinen¹, Laura Grenville-Briggs¹

¹ Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden

Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) ranks as the world’s third most important food crop, following rice and wheat, with an annual production of 330 million tons. However, pathogens such as Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight, continue to threaten potato cultivation globally—a challenge expected to worsen under changing climate conditions. The oomycete Pythium oligandrum is a mycoparasite with demonstrated potential as both a biocontrol agent and biostimulant in potato. Similarly, Pythium periplocum has been studied for its biocontrol activity against several plant pathogens, though its biostimulant potential remains unexplored. Despite the approval of P. oligandrum for agricultural use within the EU, its adoption remains limited due to challenges such as inconsistent standardization and short shelf life. Moreover, most studies have been conducted under controlled or nutrient-rich conditions rather than in sandy soils, where potatoes are typically cultivated. We examine plant growth across soils with varying sand concentrations to understand how soil texture influences P. oligandrum plant growth promotion. We are also evaluating the growth-promoting properties of P. oligandrum across 96 potato cultivars and exploring correlations with specific genetic markers, as a step toward breeding cultivars that better host biocontrol agents. Finally, we test both individual and combined applications of P. oligandrum and P. periplocum to assess potential synergistic or complementary effects on plant growth promotion. Our findings aim to improve understanding of these two oomycetes as biostimulant agents, supporting the development of more resilient and sustainable crop production systems.

Comparative Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Profiling of a Tripartite Interaction: Chenopodium spp – Trichoderma spp.– Peronospora variabilis

Valeria D. Palma-Encinas1,2, Oscar M. Rollano-Peñaloza2, Patricia A. Mollinedo2, Allan G. Rasmusson1

1Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia 2Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden

Abstract
Quinoa downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Peronospora variabilis, is one of the major pathogens affecting quinoa crops worldwide. Despite ongoing efforts, the disease remains a significant challenge across diverse growing regions. This study explores two complementary approaches to investigate tolerance mechanisms against downy mildew: the use of the biocontrol agent Trichoderma spp. and the use of a related crop, Chenopodium pallidicaule (cañahua), to identify potential tolerance genes in response to P. variabilis. A tripartite interaction system was established involving two Trichoderma strains (T-22 and Bol12QD), two cañahua cultivars (Lasta and Illimani), and P. variabilis isolates collected from infected quinoa plants in Bolivia. Phenotypic traits such as chlorotic leaf area and dry biomass were assessed, and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to investigate molecular responses in cañahua plants infected with P. variabilis, with and without Trichoderma pretreatment. The Lasta cultivar exhibited enhanced tolerance as compared to Illimani, showing limited chlorosis and reduced pathogen colonization. In contrast, Illimani displayed more severe symptoms and higher susceptibility. Transcriptomic profiling, consistent with the phenotypic observations, revealed distinct expression patterns between the two cultivars including even opposite responses. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular basis of tolerance and susceptibility in cañahua, possible strategies employed by P. variabilis to colonize cañahua plants, and the role of Trichoderma in modulating this interaction. These results highlight the potential of cañahua tolerance variation as a genetic resource for improving quinoa resistance to downy mildew.

Arabidopsis phospholipid modifications mediate cellulase-induced resistance to a Trichoderma peptide antibiotic by imposing cell polarity

Saritha Panthapulakkal Narayanan1, Bradley R. Dotson1,2, Lise Noack3, Sanjana Holla1§, Shichao Ren1, Peter Dörmann4, Susanne Widell1, Staffan Persson3,5, Ida Lager6 and Allan G. Rasmusson1

1Department of Biology, Lund University, Biology Building, Solvegatan 35B, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
2Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-234 22 Lomma, Sweden
3Copenhagen Plant Science Center (CPSC), Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
4Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Strasse 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
5Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Hybrid Rice, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
6Department of Plant Breeding, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-234 22 Lomma, Sweden

Abstract
Plant-symbiotic Trichoderma fungi attack microorganisms by secreting antibiotic membrane-permeabilising peptaibols such as alamethicin. These peptaibols also permeabilise plant root epidermis plasma membranes, but mild pre-treatment with Trichoderma cellulase activates a unique Cellulase-Induced Resistance to Alamethicin (CIRA), via an unknown mechanism. We identify two Arabidopsis genes that are essential for the CIRA process; CIRA12 encodes a phosphatidylserine (PS) decarboxylase, and CIRA13 a phospholipase Dζ, implying that specific changes in anionic membrane lipids mediate alamethicin resistance. Fluorescent sensors revealed that cellulase induced a laterally asymmetric decrease in PS and surface charge to outer periclinal root epidermal plasma membranes. Consistently, the CIRA response was reversed by addition of lysoPS. CIRA13 is essential for vesicle trafficking, which in turn is crucial for CIRA induction. Overall, cellulase induces a cellular polarity with respect to phospholipids, not previously observed in plants, that is leading to increased lipid packing and preventing peptaibol permeabilization of the outer periclinal membrane.

Using Paenibacillus for P. variabilis biocontrol in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)

Jorge Yaniquez1,2, Patricia Mollinedo2, Claes von Wachenfeldt1
1Biology, Lund University, Sweden
2Chemical Sciences, UMSA, Bolivia

Abstract
POomycetes are one of the most important groups of plant pathogens. They are the cause of high economic losses around the world by devastating agricultural crops. Due to the severity of the diseases caused, the control of them relies on the use of chemical oomycides. However, there are problems associated with the use of chemical pesticides for environmental reasons, and even the use of these oomycides is not ideal as many species developed immunity. Peronospora variabilis, downy mildew, is the main disease of quinoa. It can reduce up to 90% the yield of quinoa generating heavy loses for farmers. The most used oomycide for its control is metalaxyl, however studies show that the pathogen can become resistant to its effects. Biocontrol strategies are the use of organisms that can interfere with the pathogen and its pathogenicity. There are several studies that show that some bacilli related organisms, like Bacillus velezensis, Paenibacillus sp, Bacillus subtilis among others have shown positive interaction against oomycetes. We have identified an interesting behavior in a Paenibacillus strain that grows directionally toward the sporangia of P. variabilis. This interaction suggests the potential for delivering cell wall degrading enzymes directly to the sporangia, thereby interfering with its pathogenicity. Our observations confirm that this strain can partially kill the sporangia; however, the underlying attraction and interaction mechanism remains unknown. These findings align with our ongoing studies on cell wall structure of sporangia, which serve as the basis for the selection of cell wall degrading enzymes.

From Stakeholder Workshop to Opinion Paper: Translating Network Insights into a Shared Framework

Svend Christensen & Aleksandra Mleczek 

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen

Abstract
Effective collaboration across academia, industry, and public authorities is essential to advance the responsible development and use of plant biologicals. This poster illustrates how the Plant Biologicals Network (PBN) facilitated such collaboration through a structured and professionally facilitated workshop on soil health, held at the University of Copenhagen in March 2025. The workshop brought together more than 60 participants from research, policy, and practice to identify barriers, opportunities, and research needs for integrating plant biologicals into soil health management. Co-designed planning of workshop themes, structured ideation and discussion sessions, synthesis of outcomes into a summary report, and subsequent collaborative writing lead to an accepted opinion paper in Plant and Soil. This experience demonstrates how a public–private network can be mobilized to create shared understanding and tangible outcomes by aligning diverse perspectives, ensuring open dialogue, and translating insights into actionable outputs. The poster highlights how inclusive, well-facilitated network processes can serve as an effective model for accelerating scientific, regulatory, and practical progress in the field of plant biologicals.

Climate Friendly Plant Biologicals – Advancing Innovation and Robust Efficacy Testing 

Mette Walter¹, Philipp Trénel¹, Birgit Jensen², Lea Ellegaard-Jensen³, Sheena Ricafranca Rasmussen¹

¹Danish Technological Institute, Denmark; ²University of Copenhagen, Denmark; 3Aarhus University, Denmark

Abstract
The “Climate Friendly Plant Biologicals” project addresses urgent EU and national ambitions to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture, a cornerstone of the Green Deal Strategy. Plant biologicals (PB), including biostimulants and biocontrol agents derived from natural organisms, offer promising alternatives, with potential benefits for crop productivity, climate, environment, and biodiversity. However, their wider adoption is currently limited by insufficient efficacy data, variable field performance, and lack of relevant testing standards. The project aims to strengthen the scientific foundation for PB efficacy and impact assessment. We will develop and validate robust experimental designs, protocols, and statistical methods tailored to PB under diverse environmental conditions, facilitating meaningful field trials and comprehensive data analysis.

Innovating Field Trials for Plant Biologicals

A key innovation of this project lies in the rethinking and redesign of field trial methodologies for plant biologicals. Traditional efficacy testing standards, developed for chemical pesticides, fail to address the specific sensitivities and multidimensional effects of PB, which can show highly variable performance depending on environmental factors such as soil type, climate, and crop variety. Our approach integrates:

• Experimental designs that account for both controlled and uncontrolled environmental variables, using sensor-based and geodata-driven site selection.
• Statistical models adapted from social and ecological sciences to handle the observational, interactive, and correlated nature of field data.
• Multi-factorial trial structures to identify critical, optimal, and context-dependent parameters for PB performance.
• Machine learning tools for predicting field heterogeneity and optimizing trial placement.
• Comprehensive integration of biodiversity, yield, and environmental impact metrics in trial outcomes.

These approaches enable a more nuanced, robust, and transparent evaluation of PB performance, offering strong scientific and practical support for PB development, regulatory acceptance, and on-farm adoption. The project partners are the Danish Technological Institute, University of Copenhagen, Aarhus University, SEGES Innovation, FMC, Novonesis and Plant Biologicals Network. The project is funded by AgriFoodTure.