Inoculation with Bacillus subtilis and Paenibacillus sp. shapes the rhizosphere bacteriome of prickly pear cactus under water deficit

This study investigates how plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) Bacillus subtilis and Paenibacillus sp. influence the rhizosphere microbiome of the prickly pear cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera L.) under drought conditions. The research reveals that water availability significantly alters the bacterial community structure, with different microbial taxa dominating under water deficit versus well-watered conditions. Inoculation with B. subtilis enhanced positive microbial interactions, especially under drought, highlighting its potential to improve plant resilience by reshaping the microbiome. These findings contribute to understanding microbiome engineering as a strategy to boost drought tolerance in semiarid regions.