EcoFite: Microbial Formulation for Resilient Crop Performance

A versatile microbial consortium that enhances plant productivity and stress tolerance across greenhouse and field applications

Technology Readiness Level 5-6

EcoFite is being validated in active greenhouse and field trials on tomatoes, lettuce, and sorghum in northern New Mexico and western Texas.

IP Information: This technology is patent pending and PCT filed.

Overview

Modern agriculture faces persistent challenges including declining soil fertility, extreme weather, and rising input costs. EcoFite is a biologically based alternative that addresses these issues using a consortium of beneficial bacteria to promote plant growth, improve nutrient access, and enhance resilience to stressors like salinity and drought. Designed for flexible application, EcoFite can be

delivered as a seed coating or foliar spray. Current trials include lettuce, sorghum, and tomatoes under both greenhouse and field conditions, with promising early results across diverse crop types.

Advantages

• Enhances crop yield, stress tolerance, and growth consistency

• Reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides

• Improves nutrient use efficiency beyond nitrogen-based inputs

• Increases tolerance to drought, salinity, and temperature fluctuations

• Promotes healthier soil microbiomes and soil carbon sequestration

• Compatible with organic agriculture practices and application systems

• Enables growers to apply via multiple delivery methods for operational flexibility and ease of use

Technology Description

EcoFite is a curated microbial consortium developed using LANL’s rational design platform for microbial communities. The selected endophytes colonize internal plant tissue and promote performance through multiple mechanisms including enhanced nutrient uptake, stimulated growth, immune system activation, accelerated/synchronized flowering, and the release of plant metabolites that enrich soil microbial activity. The formulation is compatible with organic systems and can be adapted to meet crop-specific needs. Its ability to operate across soil types and plant species supports wide adoption for both conventional and regenerative agricultural systems.

Market Applications

EcoFite addresses the growing need for scalable, biologically based crop support tools. The formulation can benefit:

• greenhouse growers looking to maximize space and resource efficiency;

• open-field producers seeking to reduce chemical inputs and water use;

• organic farmers needing multi-pathway biostimulants compatible with certified systems; and

• seed companies and input providers aiming to expand their microbial product portfolios.

Contact Information:

For inquiries, contact FCI at licensing@lanl.gov.

LA-UR-25-27105