A project led by Dr. Çiğdem Otur, a research assistant in the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology at Ondokuz Mayıs University’s (OMU) Faculty of Agriculture, has been selected for funding under the TÜBİTAK 1002-A Rapid Support Module for R&D Projects.

The project, titled “Isolation of Endophytic Bacteria from Oenanthe pimpinelloides L. and In Vitro Evaluation of Their Plant Growth-Promoting, Enzyme-Producing, and Antifungal Potential,” aims to systematically characterise the endophytic microbiota of Oenanthe pimpinelloides L., a plant of significant medicinal and aromatic value that has received limited attention in the scientific literature.

The plant is considered a potentially valuable source of novel microorganisms that could both support plant health and be used in biological control applications.

As part of the study, endophytic bacteria will be isolated from the plant’s roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. Their plant growth-promoting properties, enzyme production capacities, and antifungal activity against various agriculturally important fungal pathogens will then be investigated under in vitro conditions.

Biotechnologically promising strains will also be identified at the molecular level. The project aims to establish a scientific foundation for the future use of these microorganisms in environmentally friendly agricultural practices, including seed coating, seedling treatments, and microbial inoculation.

The project is expected to strengthen OMU’s research capacity and expertise in biotechnology while contributing to the development of sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.