What is an endophyte? What benefits do they offer to plants?

Endophytes are bacteria or fungi that live in between plant cells and form a symbiotic relationship with the plant.

Our endophytic microbes cause crop plants, grasses, ornamental plants, and trees to fix Nitrogen (N2) directly from the atmosphere into ammonia which helps improve nutrient use efficiency, supplement synthetic fertilizer requirements, and increase chlorophyll. These microbes live in leaves, stems, roots and don’t require a nodule. They also mobilize insoluble phosphorus (P2) from the soil into roots and help with phosphate mobility from the roots into the shoots.

What types of plants are used in your phytoremediation systems?

Hybrid poplar trees, willow trees, buffalo grass, regional native grass species, regional native tree species.

Are endophytes natural?

Yes, our isolated endophytes are ubiquitous in nature and are compatible with conventional and organic farming/planting practices.

What types of sites can this biotechnology be deployed on?

Superfund sites, Brownfield sites, contaminated groundwater, industrial, municipal effluents, surface water runoff, refineries, mine tailings, leaky storage tanks, landfills, military sites, agricultural lands, functional landscaping in areas with intrusion.

What types of contaminants can this biotechnology treat?

Chlorinated solvents, Oil & Gas derivatives, other VOCs, explosives (TNT, RDX, HMX), heavy metals/metalloids, excess nutrients (Nitrates & Phosphates), radionuclides, pesticides, seawater intrusion.