Isolation and characterization of plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria from Medicago lupulina for enhanced drought tolerance in Maize

Abstract

Maize is one of the major staple foods in many African nations however, this crop is sensitive to environmental stressors. Drought is a major environmental stressor affecting maize production. Due to global warming, drought episodes are expected to increase in duration and frequency. Therefore, it is vital to improve maize drought tolerance thereby increasing food security. Many studies have looked at improving maize drought tolerance through genetic engineering techniques which has shown promising results, nonetheless GMOs have been under scrutiny due to public concerns regarding unknown side effects.