The project developed in Erzurum Technical University (ETU) laboratories to find solutions against drought in agricultural production has been awarded support under the TUBITAK 1001 Scientific and Technological Research Projects Support Program.

The project, initiated under the leadership of ETU and supported by the TUBITAK 1001 program, brings a new approach to finding solutions against drought in agricultural production and investigates the use of beneficial bacteria isolated from cactus plants to increase the resistance of alfalfa plants to drought stress.

The project is led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ismail Bezirganoglu from ETU Faculty of Science, while Prof. Dr. Okkes Atıcı from Ataturk University, Dr. Pınar Uysal from Eastern Anatolia Agricultural Research Institute, and Dr. Busra Yazıcılar and Dr. Merve Simsek Geyik from ETU are participating as researchers. Within the scope of international cooperation, Prof. Dr. Menghsiao Meng from National Chung Hsing University provides consultancy support to the project.

The project team aims to increase the resistance of alfalfa plants under drought stress by applying beneficial bacteria naturally found in cacti. The findings show that this approach has the potential to be both environmentally friendly and supportive of agricultural production.

Making statements regarding the developed project, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bezirganoglu stated that the project has the potential to offer a natural solution to combat drought in agriculture and said: “The project investigates the use of microbial biostimulants instead of chemical fertilizers. This biological method aims to provide a solution that does not harm the environment and to ensure the sustainable use of agricultural areas. Although our project is still in the research phase, it gives hope in terms of improving agricultural production and increasing the use of environmentally friendly methods. The results to be obtained may open the door to new opportunities for the agricultural sector. We want to support sustainable agriculture by using the resources provided by nature.”

Corporate Communications Directorate 03.01.2025