Activity 1.1.1.9 “Post-doctoral Research” of the Specific Objective 1.1.1 “Strengthening research and innovative capacities and introduction of advanced technologies in the common R&D system” of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy Programme for 2021-2027

Project title: Integration of Novel Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria and Mycorrhizal Fungi for Enhanced Crop Productivity and Innovative Microbial Bioformulation Development (PGPB-MYCOFORM)

Project No.: 1.1.1.9/LZP/2/25/221

Period: 1 February 2026 – 31 January 2029

Project costs: The total eligible costs of the research proposal are EUR 184 007,60 of which EUR 156 406,46 is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Principal Investigator: PhD Naveen Arakkal Thaiparambil

Project summary:

Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are two well-known groups of beneficial microbes to enhance plant growth and protection against pests and pathogens. Although their individual roles have been extensively studied, the potential synergistic effects of co-inoculating AMF and PGPB remain largely unexplored, particularly at the molecular level. Additionally, commercial microbial products in Northern Europe lack representation of locally sourced PGPB isolates. This project aims to investigate the synergistic effects of the model AMF species Rhizophagus irregularis and novel, locally isolated PGPBs on growth and stress resilience in the legume model Medicago truncatula and its crop relative, Medicago sativa (alfalfa). The study will involve isolation of novel PGPB strains from soil and screening for plant growth-promoting traits, followed by evaluation of the most promising PGPB strains alone and in combination with AMF for their ability to enhance plant growth and resistance to fungal pathogens. Furthermore, RNA-seq and untargeted metabolomic analyses will characterise the molecular and biochemical mechanisms behind observed plant responses to co-inoculation. This research will fill a critical knowledge gap by advancing our understanding of the interactive effects and underlying molecular pathways triggered by dual microbial inoculation. The most effective AMF–PGPB combinations will be further tested on alfalfa to identify novel bioformulations with potential for commercial application. Ultimately, this work aims to transform current agricultural practices by developing sustainable, locally adapted microbial inoculants as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, with broad applicability in greenhouse and field settings.

Keywords – plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB), bacteria-fungi synergy, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, microbial isolation, novel microbial formulations.

Information published 02.02.2026.