Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop throughout the world. It is highly affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. Water deficiency is a major problem in semi-arid regions of Pakistan. It affects plant growth, therefore there is a huge loss of productivity and yield due to drought. Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are of high importance for bacteria as a defense mechanism to prevent from desiccation and for adhesions by forming biofilms. EPSs producing bacterial strains were isolated from roots of desert plants of Thal, Pakistan and their potential was compared with pure culture strains Bacillus subtilis and Mycobacterium Barkeri. Effect of inoculation of EPSs producing strains on maize hybrids was evaluated at various moisture levels. The moisture treatments were comprised of 50%, 75% and 100% Field Capacity (FC). Various plant growth and soil parameters were determined. The results showed that the inoculation with Bacillus subtilis (KCTC-3135), Mycobacterium Barkeri (KCTC-3197) and strain (M1) isolated from roots of desert plants of Thal desert reduced the adverse effects of drought significantly. Moreover, inoculation with Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium Barkeri and M1 also improved the aggregate stability of soil, which improved water holding capacity of soil thus helping the plants to perform better in drought.











