COLMENA (www.itson.mx/COLMENA) is a microbial collection specialized in the preservation, classification, characterization, and transferring of native microorganisms isolated from different agro-systems, and other habitats. The aim of this collection is to decrease the loss of microbial diversity associated to land-use changes, diminishing the soil degradation. Thus, so far we have isolated soil microorganisms from different agro-systems in the Yaqui Valley and the Fuerte Valley, two of the most important agricultural regions in Mexico. For now, COLMENA preserves about 1,464 soil microbial strains associated to several crops, such as: wheat (448), maize (313), bean (35), broccoli (51), alfalfa (54), and others. Until now, we have developed the taxonomic classification of 353 strains, by molecular techniques, being the most abundant bacterial genera Bacillus (27%), Pseudomonas (8%), and Stenotrophomonas (6%); while the fungus genera were Aspergillus (8%), Penicillium (3%), and Myrothecium (3%). Three percent of this microbial collection produced high level of indole acetic acid (>5 mg/L). In addition, the phosphorus solubilization and siderophore production was observed for 61% and 36% of tested strains (396), respectively. So far, only 3% of the whole collection has been identified as lytic enzymes producers. Now, we are studying all strains belong to COLMENA for several other metabolic traits, such as: antibiotic production, biological control agent, plant growth promoting microorganisms, stress tolerance, among other. These results show the versatility of these microbial strains as cost-effective alternatives in agro-industrial process, focused on contributing to the global food safety, through establishing successful collaborations among scientist, and industrial sectors
