Uruguay researchers identify hemp bacteria for bioinput development

Researchers in Uruguay have identified specific bacteria living within hemp plants that could lead to the development of new bioinputs. The study analyzed the microbiota of the 'Luma' hemp cultivar, identifying 236 bacterial isolates from seeds, roots, and aerial tissues.

Approximately 66% of these bacteria exhibited characteristics linked to plant growth promotion, such as nitrogen fixation, mineral solubilization, and the production of phytohormone-related compounds. Key genera identified include Bacillus and Pseudomonas, while the study also reported the first association of Mycolicibacterium and Aminobacter with cannabis plants. These findings represent a preliminary step toward using microorganisms as sustainable alternatives to chemical agricultural inputs.