Trials of a new stress-tolerant growth treatment for plants are showing particular promise for specialty crops such as chile, which is iconic in New Mexico and economically important to the state’s farmers.
Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers are developing EcoFite, a mixture of beneficial bacteria that can be applied as a seed coating or sprayed onto leaves for a variety of crops. The bacteria establish themselves inside plant tissues, where they help plants get nutrients and cope with difficult growing conditions such as drought and salty soil.
Why this matters: The ability to increase crop yields under variable conditions, shorten time to harvest and potentially reduce chemical fertilizer needs could support national security through a more resilient food supply.
What’s next: Lab researchers have been testing lettuce, sorghum, tomatoes and chile in greenhouses and fields. Now, the team is seeking partners to expand testing under different growing conditions and develop production methods for commercial use.
LA-UR-26-29657
