SUMMARY OF WINNING ENTRY

Advances in microbial ecology and symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the tropics.

Plants interact with diverse microbial communities. These associated microorganisms confer advantages to the host plant. In particular, nitrogen-fixing bacteria—particularly Rhizobium—enhance plant growth and productivity. Unlike many approaches that relied on model rhizobial strains or commercial inoculants from temperate regions, María Esperanza Martínez-Romero focused on isolating native strains adapted to local soils and crops in tropical regions, advancing foundational knowledge in microbial ecology and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. She discovered and described multiple new species of Rhizobium, contributing to microbial taxonomy and understanding of plant-microbe interactions in agriculture. Her early identification of Rhizobium tropici opened an entirely new avenue in the study of nitrogen-fixing bacteria adapted to tropical environments. Her emphasis on microbial diversity, symbiosis beyond legumes, and real-world application in low-resource settings has had a profound influence on the field of microbial ecology.

SCALE OF IMPACT

Martínez-Romero’s research combines microbial ecology, genomics, and taxonomy to isolate and characterize new bacterial species uniquely adapted to local soil and crop conditions. The description of microbial diversity, functionality in diverse agrosystems and practices, advances the ability of scientists to select microbes that are better adapted to different types of soil, cultivation, and type of tillage enhancing the ability of plants to absorb nitrogen and other key nutrients.

MEANINGFUL CHANGE

These Rhizobium strains can be used as microbial inoculants to enhance local soils and improve crop productivity. The application of these carefully studied strains tailored to a specific in agrosystem is expected to reduce the use of added inorganic. In a changing climate, these biofertilizers can enhance crop resilience and help feed the human population.