USU Studying Possibility of Incorporating Beneficial Microbes From Certain Plants Into Others

Much like the human microbiome that benefits our bodies, plants also host microorganisms that can aid their growth and development in many ways. They can help in nutrient absorption, growth, and disease prevention, as well as in drought and salinity tolerance.

The latter two are particularly interesting to USU Assistant Professor Amita Kaundal and her graduate and undergraduate student researchers. Collectively, they are investigating if it’s possible to take plant growth-promoting bacteria from certain plants and incorporate them into others to help make them more resilient for sustainable agriculture in the changing climate.

Though this work is ongoing, the team hopes to develop biofertilizers that can help not only with cultivation but also with improving or maintaining soil health.