Microbes that will help to grow plants on Mars

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has discovered new strains of microbes that may help grow plants on Mars. This is important because presently growing plants isn't possible. The climate on Mars is rigorous and tough for plants to survive. For making that happen, help from microbes is necessary. 

The discovery was made aboard ISS(International Space Station), which can help researchers create necessary 'fuel' that help plants withstand stressful conditions. The bacteria were discovered across different places aboard the ISS across two consecutive flights. 

They belong to the family of Methylobacteriaceae. Whereas one strain of bacteria belonged to Methylorubrum rhodesianum, the others were previously not recorded and belong to a new species novel. The new strains are in the form of a rod and are named IF7SW-B2T, IIF1SW-B5, and IIF4SW-B5. They closely check Methylobacterium indicum. 

The bacteria belonging to Methylobacterium species are concerned with nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and abiotic stress tolerance, promoting plant growth and dominant activity against plant pathogens. Scientists are going to name the species Methylobacterium ajmalii, once illustrious Indian biodiersity scientist Dr Ajmal Khan. 

Significance of discovery 

In locations where resources are minimal, the microbes facilitate promoting plant growth underneath nerve-wracking conditions. Scientists coming up with the Human Mars mission will specialize in growing plants indigenous to supply astronauts' oxygen and food.