Scientists tested a bacteria strain called Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus (GIC41) to fight a destructive plant disease called Pythium root rot. In both soil and water-based growing systems, this bacteria significantly reduced disease symptoms in spinach and tomato plants while also making the plants grow bigger and stronger. The bacteria works by producing enzymes and possibly triggering the plant’s natural defenses, without directly poisoning the disease-causing pathogen.