Comparative analysis of the biodiversity of endophytic microorganisms of spring durum wheat at different phases of plant growth and development

The rapid expansion of knowledge about the interrelationships of microorganisms with plants creates an opportunity for the transition to environmentally sustainable farming systems. The interaction of microorganisms with higher plants creates the basis for the development of crop production industries, providing humanity with environmentally friendly food products. The purpose of the research is to study the biodiversity of the species composition of endophytic microorganisms of spring durum wheat isolated in different phases of plant growth and development. In the work, seeds and plants were used at different phases of vegetation of varieties of Saratov selection: ‘Saratov golden', ‘Ray 25' and ‘Vasilchuk Memory'. Sampling of plants from April to June 2023 was carried out from the variety testing site of the Federal Agrarian Scientific Center of the South-East. Endophytic microorganisms were isolated from seeds and plant organs (roots, leaves, stems, ears) after surface sterilization and homogenization. The identification of isolated microorganisms was carried out by bacteriological methods and using MALDI ToF mass spectrometry. As a result of the conducted studies, 30 strains of bacteria belonging to the genera Pantoea, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Staphylococcus were identified. A change in the species composition of microorganisms in the process of plant ontogenesis was noted, associated with activation, colonization and selective advantage of individual species of microorganisms. The isolated strains of endophytic microorganisms are promising for the creation of biological products to increase plant resistance to abiotic and biotic factors.