Research Explores How Soil Microbes Could Increase Crop Nutrient Density

In research published in Frontiers in Microbiology, a team from the University of Delaware, Stroud Water Research Center, and the Rodale Institute investigated how a bacteria naturally found in the soil can enhance the levels of the amino acid and antioxidant ergothioneine in spring wheat. The findings offer insight into improving the nutritional value of crops through understanding of soil microbiology and its interaction with plants. Researchers say it’s possible that an alternative plant breeding approach could be utilized to associate plants with benign microbes to increase protein content in staple crops. The research highlights how important soil health can be with regard to the nutrient levels of crops.
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