A project between the Neutrog R&D Team and orchid growers around Australia to develop the next generation of Strike Back for Orchids is well underway.
Orchid growers and societies collected plant material from thriving, resilient common and Australian native orchid genera such as Cymbidium, Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium, that were considered to be outstanding examples of the species. Preserved in tubes of glycerine, samples of leaf, root and growing media were all collected and sent back to the Neutrog laboratory.
Once these samples reach the lab, the R&D team isolate the microbes within each sample by growing them on specialised media designed for bacteria and fungi. After purifying these into single colonies, each microbe is identified and screened for beneficial characteristics. This includes identifying microbes that produce plant growth hormones, suppress disease, or unlock nutrients otherwise unavailable to the plant.
Dr Uwe Stroeher, head of the Neutrog R&D team says “So far we have processed the samples which have come from all genera of orchids, and are now classifying the microbes from these samples. Orchids harbour a surprisingly unique microbial community due to their distinctive root systems and growing habits.
As we continue this classification work and progress toward genome sequencing, we are laying the groundwork for the most biologically advanced generation of Strike Back for Orchids yet.”
Geoff Le Marne, president of the Cymbidium Orchid Society of Australia (NSW), explained, “Orchids are incredibly unique plants, typified by passionate growers who often start with just one plant and before long, have many. Orchid clubs and professional growers represent untold hours of experience and knowledge of orchids and being able to contribute that in a project like this demonstrates the value Neutrog place not only on the science, but on real world application. The development of products that improve the likelihood of growing thriving, disease resilient orchids is something of great interest to us and we’re looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.”
When Strike Back for Orchids liquid was first updated to a biological formula 2021, the focus was on ‘sick’ plants and identifying microbes that could counteract pathogens that may be present. In addition, the microbes selected were exclusively sourced from soil samples and exhibited a more generalised ability to perform certain functions with a specific focus on disease resistance.
When investigating how this formula could be improved, the spotlight is now on identifying the microbes present on healthy orchids.
Further, it was essential that the R&D Team looked beyond microbes just found from soil or growing media.
It would come as little surprise that the microbes that exist on the plant have distinctly different characteristics than those found below the surface. As a single example, microbes that live on leaves must be able to withstand wind and UV, something their below ground counterparts don’t have to contend with.
“The more we understand about the behaviour of microbes, the more we can apply this to the products we develop. We already know that microbes adapt to the environment where they live, and in trials we are conducting in a number of areas, we are increasingly forming the belief that there is potential for biological products that include microbes sourced from leaves (in particular), to help support plant resilience” Dr Uwe says.
The next step in the trial will be testing new species found against others in the Microbe Storage Bank, to determine which have the greatest ability to achieve beneficial results.
By evolving a products in this way, Neutrog ensure that commercial growers and home gardeners receive the most effective and scientifically informed support for their plants.
We would like to thank all of the groups who have been involved in this project so far: Cymbidium Orchid Club of SA, Cymbidium Orchid Society of VIC, Cymbidium Orchid Club of WA, Cymbidium Orchid Club of Australia (NSW), Orchid Club of SA and the Orchid Society of WA.
