Pigment-producing Kocuria spp. isolated from soil ameliorate systemic drought stress in wheat
Bacterial isolates obtained from rhizosphere soil in Mumbai, India were screened for plant growth-promoting characteristics, including indole-3-acetic acid production, nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization, siderophore production, and tolerance to osmotic and ultraviolet stress. Carotenoid-producing Kocuria isolates exhibiting superior drought tolerance and plant growth-promoting potential were selected for further characterization. Metagenomic data from the treated soil samples