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). This virus has lang vrocht havoc on cotton crops, pairticularly in Pakistan—a heich producer o fine cotton—causin yield losses o up tae 35% an costin the textile industry US$2 billion annually.

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

Ayesha Badar, the study’s first author an PhD researcher, explained, “Organ transplantation is ordinary in human health, sae hoo no 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 that suppress disease, pavin the wey for targeted interventions.”

Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik o Forman Christian College University raxed back, “Efter decades o battlin CLCuD in Pakistan, yaisin beneficial microbes offers a sustainable, biological solution.” The study in Communications Biology suggests that the transplanted microbiome can boost growth in susceptible crops, potentially reducin the need for chemical sprays.

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