Integrating Ethnographic Knowledge and Rhizosphere Microbiology of Peganum harmala in Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Background: Peganum harmala (locally known in Kyrgyzstan as adyrashman or ysyryk) is a medicinal plant with a long history of traditional use in Kyrgyzstan, with references to its applications preserved in the Manuscripts Fund of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic. However, little is known about the rhizosphere-associated bacterial communities of this species. This study examined P. harmala using an integrated microbiological and molecular approach to characterize its rhizosphere bacteria and investigate their microbial diversity. Methods: P. harmala plants were collected from the Kashka-Suu rural area of the Alamudun District, Chüy Region, Kyrgyzstan. Rhizosphere-associated bacteria were isolated using standard microbiological techniques and characterized by morphological and biochemical analyses. Microbial diversity was investigated through 16S rRNA gene amplification, sequencing, and taxonomic identification. Results: The analysis revealed the presence of bacterial genera including Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, and Paenarthrobacter, highlighting the diversity of microorganisms associated with the plant root environment. These findings provide new insights into the bacterial communities associated with P. harmala and establish a foundation for future investigations into plant–microbe interactions and the ecological roles of root-associated microorganisms. Conclusion: This study represents the first characterization of the rhizosphere bacterial community associated with Peganum harmala in Kyrgyzstan using 16S rRNA gene-based identification. The findings expand current knowledge of the microbial diversity associated with this medicinal plant and provide a basis for future studies exploring the ecological, agricultural, and biotechnological significance of its root-associated microorganisms.

Keywords: Genus Pseudomonas, Kyrgyzstan, Peganum harmala (Adyrashman), Rhizosphere Bacteria

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Isakov, B., Bobusheva, S. and Zeinalzadeh-Tabrizi, H. (2026) “Integrating Ethnographic Knowledge and Rhizosphere Microbiology of Peganum harmala in Kyrgyzstan”, International Journal of Advancement in Life Sciences Research, 9(4), pp. 134-144. doi: https://doi.org/10.31632/ijalsr.2026.v09i04.009.