In the ICESICS 2025 conference program, a presentation titled “Priestia megaterium RFe-2 and wheat adaptation to salinity” was delivered.

Almaty, October 7, 2025. At the ICESICS 2025 international conference held at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Meruyert Sakenovna Kurmanbayeva, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology and Professor of the Department of Botany and Agroecology, DSc (Biology), delivered a presentation entitled “The role of Priestia megaterium RFe-2 in siderophore production and in promoting wheat growth under salt stress.” The presentation highlighted the PGPR traits of the RFe-2 strain, mechanisms enhancing plant nutrition and tolerance under salinity, and the potential for agrobiotechnological applications.

The study targets improving wheat productivity under iron deficiency and salinity. Within the soil–plant–microbe system, siderophores, IAA, and exopolysaccharides were shown to improve nutrient uptake and increase stress tolerance. Participants discussed the feasibility of adopting the approach as a bioinoculant in agriculture and transferring it to the reclamation of salt-affected soils.

Plenary and breakout sessions focused on agro-ecosystem resilience, deployment of bio-compatible technologies, and resource efficiency in regional agriculture. Prof. Meruert Kurmanbayeva addressed questions from the audience and outlined plans to expand field trials and conduct industrial-scale piloting.

Department of Botany and Agroecology