Isolation and characterization of a new Leptobacillium species promoting tomato plant growth

Scientists discovered a new type of beneficial fungus living inside tomato plant roots that helps the plants grow better and produce more nutritious fruit. This fungus, called Leptobacillium sp., makes plant hormones and special compounds that help tomato plants absorb nutrients more effectively. When tomato seeds were treated with this fungus, the plants grew taller and produced fruits with higher levels of lycopene, a beneficial compound. This discovery could help farmers grow better tomatoes using nature’s own microorganisms instead of relying on chemical treatments.