Girish T R*, Sumit Bhose, Sri Sailaja Nori, Shrikumar Suryanarayan
Sea6 Energy private limited, Centre for Cellular Molecular Platforms, NCBS-GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bengaluru, India 560065
Seaweeds are known to host a diverse set of bioactive compounds. These compounds have been mostly exploited in agriculture either as fertilizers or as bio-stimulants for various abiotic stress management. In fact, numerous bio-stimulant products are commercially available. However, the roles of seaweed bio actives in crop protection segment remains less exploited commercially. Most findings of seaweed bio actives in biotic stress management are limited to academic research. Herein, we describe the plant immune boosting activity of a Kappaphycus derived formulation AGFORT and its role in crop protection. AGFORT contains unique, proprietary sulfated sugars that can trigger plant immune system. Prophylactic, foliar application of AGFORT, enhances the levels of defense related phytohormones, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid. The relative expression levels of various defense genes are enhanced within 24 hours of AGFORT application. Further our biochemical studies suggest AGFORT has no direct action on plant pathogens. Based on these insights a model is hypothesized to describe the potential mechanism of action of AGFORT. Further, field trial studies conducted in disease prone hotspot regions indicate lower virus disease incidence and reduced disease severity when primed with AGFORT product. An average of up to 60% disease reduction was observed from various trials. Overall, our studies suggest AGFORT product possess broad-spectrum immune boosting activity in plants and thus could serves as a natural, eco-friendly option in sustainable agriculture.