Researchers in Brazil have identified over 257,000 bacteria and archaea associated with plants of the Velloziaceae family. This discovery was made in the campos rupestres, a unique ecosystem in central Brazil known for its extreme conditions.
The study, supported by FAPESP, investigated how these plants adapt to drought. The genetic data is available on open access platforms, potentially boosting research on plant-microorganism interactions.
The findings may inspire biotechnological solutions for agriculture in the face of climate change. Researchers focused on mapping the microbial diversity in different plant parts, including leaves, roots, and soil. The study highlights the potential for developing new technologies and products for agriculture.
The research also identified bacteria capable of making scarce nutrients more available to plants. This knowledge could contribute to sustainable agricultural technologies, such as biofertilizers.