Scientists fae the University o Glesga an Forman Christian College University in Pakistan are testin an innovative microbial transplant method for tae protect cotton plants fae the devastatin Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD). Iss virus his lang vrocht havoc on cotton crops, pairticularly in Pakistan—a heich producer o fine cotton—causin yield losses o up tae 35% an costin e textile industry US$2 billion annually.

E researchers extract microbes fae the rhizosphere an phyllosphere o Gossypium arboreum, a cotton species naiturally resistant tae CLCuD, an transplant them tae Gossypium hirsutum, fit is heichly susceptible. Early trials revealed significantly fewer disease symptoms in treated plants, wi een experiment shawin reduced signs up tae 40 days post-infection.

Ayesha Badar, e study’s first author an PhD researcher, explained, “Organ transplantation is ordinary in human health, sae fit wey nae apply a similar concept tae plants? Insteid o organs, we transplant their vital microbiome.” Dr. Umer Zeeshan Ijaz fae the University o Glesga’s James Watt School o Engineerin added, “Advanced sequencin lats us decode microbial communities aat suppress disease, pavin e wey for targeted interventions.”

Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik o Forman Christian College University recalled, “Efter decades o battlin CLCuD in Pakistan, e eese o beneficial microbes offers a sustainable, biological solution.” E study in Communications Biology suggests aat e transplanted microbiome can boost growth in susceptible crops, potentially reducin e need for chemical sprays.

Iss collaborative effort merks a significant stap forrit in combatin plant pathogens an offers promisin new tools for fairmers warldwide.