Wild Plants Microbiome Improving Crop Quality and Productivity

Plant-associated microbes (plant microbiome) are known to be able to benefit plant health. Wild plants are considered a reservoir of many bioactive compounds that are safe for humans and plants and may harbor plant growth-promoting (PGP) microbes. In this work, bacterial and fungal isolates were isolated from a number of wild plant samples and their attached rhizospheric soil from different regions. Fungal and bacterial isolates were tested in vitro for their ability to produce various plant growth-promoting traits e.g. indole-3-acetic acid, siderophore production and phosphate solubilization efficiency (qualitatively and quantitively). Isolates were screened for cellulase, pectinase, xylanase, and chitinase production. The selected microbial isolates were evaluated for their plant growth-promoting activity on wheat plants. Finally, molecular identification of the promising microbial isolates was carried out.