Public Radio for the Piedmont and High Country
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

How Bacteria Could Be The Key To Healthier Crops

A Duke University study researched the microbiome of the wildflower Boechera stricta. Credit: Maggie Wagner

As the world's population continues to grow, some North Carolina scientists are doing research on how to feed a larger number of people. The answer, they say, could be found in bacteria.

And not just one type. It's a community of bacteria and fungi working together called a microbiome. There's one in the human gut, and there's also a rich microbiome surrounding plants.

Microbes can affect the health of a plant, influence how fast or slow it grows, and potentially save it from drought.

Researchers at Duke University sequenced the DNA from a common wildflower (Boechera stricta) to better understand how a plant's genes and environment contribute to its microbiome, and how microbes can be used to grow crops more efficiently. Plant Biologist Maggie Wagner says this kind of research could reduce dependence on pesticides and fertilizer.

“It's not completely clear what form these microbiome products of microbiome interventions will take. But the idea is that they could be a lot less damaging to the environment, because there could be less runoff into ecosystems and our water supply and so on.”

Wagner says these are complex systems though. And it will likely be years until the science can be applied to agricultural crops.

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate