Image: Supplied

What if the solution to some of the biggest challenges in crop protection is already hidden inside plants? This is the question that Enriquay Smith, who is working towards his doctorate at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), explores in his research. Much like in agriculture – where contingency plans are necessary when projects go awry – Smith had to devise a "Plan B" for a project that was veering off course. This alternative approach ultimately served a dual purpose: it led to successful research while also offering a potential solution for farmers.

Smith focuses on endophytes, described as beneficial micro-organisms that occur naturally within plants and could potentially be used to combat crop diseases and strengthen plants. “When people think about crop production, they usually think of soil, water, and fertiliser. But there is also an entire world of microorganisms inside the plant that play an important role,” he says.

These micro-organisms include bacteria and fungi that co-exist with the plant without causing it harm. In fact, some actually help the plant grow better or become more resistant to diseases and environmental stress. Smith’s interest in this subject took root while doing his honours degree. When an initial research project did not go entirely to plan, he decided to isolate his own bacteria from plants and test them. This plan not only led to success but also earned him an award as the best young botanist at the annual congress of the South African Association of Botanists (SAAB).

Professors Ashwil Klein and Marshall Keyster of the UWC Faculty of Natural Sciences have served as Smith’s primary and co-supervisor, respectively, since 2022. The proud professors have encouraged him to keep going.

Enriquay Smith. Image: Supplied

“I hope this title will spur him on to work even harder and serve as an inspiration to all the other younger students around him,” says Klein.

The project has gradually evolved from a research plan into research with practical applications for agriculture. The process begins by thoroughly sterilising plants to remove all surface microbes.

Subsequently, the micro-organisms living inside the plant are isolated and cultivated in the laboratory. Smith then examines which of these bacteria exhibit traits that could benefit crops. The hope is that these micro-organisms can help crops perform better under challenging growing conditions.

Initially, Smith used a beach daisy as a test plant for his research because it was easily obtainable at the time. It proved a smart choice, as the plant can survive in challenging conditions like saline soil.

“You aren’t dealing with just a single organism. There are many different bacteria, and you first have to determine which of them truly have the potential to provide a benefit to the plant,” says Smith.

The research focuses, among other things, on ways to use beneficial bacteria to suppress disease-causing fungi. This includes significant pathogens such as Fusarium, Sclerotinia and Alternaria, which cause extensive damage to various crops every year. Smith, however, says it involves more than just disease control; the research could ultimately provide a new tool for farmers.

The idea is not to replace chemical agents entirely, but rather to integrate biological control with existing practices, explain Smith and Klein.

Chemical fungicides and pesticides remain important tools in modern agriculture, yet they can also have adverse environmental impacts. Biological solutions can help mitigate these effects and potentially reduce costs as well.

Smith believes the primary challenge lies not necessarily in the science itself, but in the transition from the laboratory to the fields. “It requires time, funding and further development to scale up something that works in the laboratory for widespread application.”

Image: Supplied

Another obstacle is that some producers are hesitant to introduce living bacteria into their farming systems. Therefore, the focus is also on products manufactured by the bacteria, rather than on the organisms themselves.

“More and more companies are starting to look at biological solutions. It is no longer something that only happens in laboratories.”

Smith’s achievement has not only led to personal recognition but also placed UWC in the spotlight. Klein notes that Smith’s achievement – as the first biotechnology student at the University to receive the SAAB recognition – underscores the quality of the research being conducted at UWC, particularly as the institution develops a new sustainable agriculture programme.

Smith’s studies were not always smooth sailing, but the support he received from his supervisors, parents and sponsors, like Grain SA, helped him achieve success. For him, the research is more than just an academic process; he hopes to one day use the knowledge for commercial purposes for more sustainable crop production.

This translated article was originally published by Landbou.com