Scientists from the Yaroslavl State University (YarSU) named after P.G. Demidov have created a database of associative nitrogen fixators - bacteria that can increase the yield of cultivated plants. This was reported to RT in the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.
Associative nitrogen fixators are microorganisms that live on the surface of roots, in the soil, in the leaves and stems of plants. Fungi in symbiosis with plants contribute to the saturation of seeds with nutrients, and bacteria become the so-called third partner and stimulate the growth and development of crops.
"Microorganisms and plants do not live separately from each other – they form complex associations that demonstrate a variety of interactions. Close plant-microbial bonds are characteristic of most plants, "explained Andrey Sidorov, an employee of the scientific and educational laboratory of molecular genetics and biotechnology of Yaroslavl State University, to RT.
- Finger-rooted meat-red
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Scientists have collected samples of more than 100 strains of similar microorganisms from the flesh-red finger root, a perennial herbaceous plant growing in the Central European part of Russia. Before entering the database, the researchers studied the DNA of each of the isolated strains promising for use in agriculture.
In the database, the strains are assigned identification numbers, as well as a characteristic of their biotechnological potential is given - the ability to synthesize phytohormones, improve the conditions of mineral nutrition of plants and suppress phytopathogens.
The authors of the work also evaluated the effectiveness of microorganisms in the field, on wheat and barley. According to experts, such studies were conducted for the first time in the conditions of the Central European part of Russia.
"The identification of growth-stimulating properties was carried out by us in stages. First, laboratory studies were conducted for all strains to identify the growth-stimulating properties of bacteria, and then the work of these properties was checked on plants in field tests, "added Andrey Sidorov.
According to scientists, the use of drugs based on bacteria in agriculture will make it possible to do without chemical stimulants of plant growth and reduce the burden on the environment. In addition, such drugs are cheaper than traditional agrochemistry.
Now scientists are patenting the most promising strains of microorganisms, and are also developing a convenient form for the use of drugs on agricultural crops.