Innovating Crop Protection: Jeju Soil Bacteria-Powered Sea Breeze-Responsive Vaccine System

Rising sea levels and typhoons resulted in coastal flooding. In response, selective farming of halophytes was proposed, though it was ineffective. Since endophytes enhance the plant’s functionality, this study identified whether halotolerant bacteria in Jeju soil improve the plant’s resistance to the sea breeze, inventing a halotolerant vaccine system for crops. Experimental results – abnormal appearances and salt accumulation – suggested that plants are adversely affected by the sea breeze. When halotolerant bacteria from Jeju soil were inoculated, plants grew exceptionally well under the sea breeze. Experiments helped to discover that halotolerant bacteria vaccination improves the plant’s halotolerance. These findings will enable sustainable seawater farming and protect natural heritage.