Harnessing microbes for crop production: TS201 enhances maize yield and reduces pest damage

Abstract

Microbial technologies are increasingly adopted to improve sustainable agriculture amid escalating economic, regulatory, and ecological pressures, yet few, if any, are supported by mechanistic understanding that translates to real-world performance. Here, we report TS201, a U.S. EPA-registered bioinsecticide, composed of Methylorubrum extorquens, that enhances maize yield and resilience under pest pressure. Across seven years (2016-2022) of field trials at 22 U.S. locations, TS201 increased yield and reduced lodging. Large-scale evaluations at 81 sites in eight U.S. states (2023-2024) confirmed its agronomic benefit. Mechanistically, TS201 induced biosynthesis of methyl anthranilate, a volatile insect-repellent compound, and triggered pest avoidance of treated roots. These findings reveal a novel plant-microbe-insect interaction and establish a systems biology framework for harnessing microbial plant resilience to advance crop production.