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

Almaty, 7 October 2025. At the ICESICS 2025 international conference hosted by Al-Farabi KazNU, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Prof. Meruert Kurmanbayeva, DSc, delivered a talk titled “The role of Priestia megaterium RFe-2 in siderophore production and in promoting wheat growth under salt stress.” The presentation outlined the strain’s PGPR traits, mechanisms enhancing plant nutrition and resilience in saline conditions, and its agribiotechnological application potential.

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