Exploring the diversity of the root-associated microbiome of Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil. (Yerba Mate)

•First description of the root microbiome of yerba mate.•Identification of diverse bacterial taxa including plant growth promoting bacteria.•Molecular evidence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in yerba mate roots.•Enrichment of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in degraded soils.•Stepping-stone in the sustainable yerba mate cultivation.