soil microbiome

Agri-biotech company Soilytix has announced the launch of AI models designed to identify new crop-protection candidates by analysing soil DNA. The company says the approach uses genomic data from soil microbiomes to speed up the discovery of molecules that could protect crops from pests and disease. Details on partnerships, funding or commercial timelines were not included in the initial announcement.

Researchers report that a beneficial fungus can reshape the microbial community around tobacco roots, helping the plant grow better in nutrient-poor soil. The findings suggest fungal partners could improve crop resilience on marginal land by engineering the root microbiome rather than adding fertilizer, drawing attention from plant scientists and agronomists interested in sustainable agriculture.