Interaction between Plants and Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) for Sustainable Development

A special issue of Bacteria (ISSN 2674-1334).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 May 2024 | Viewed by 14451

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
Interests: plant–soil–microbe interactions; sustainable agriculture; plant growth-promoting bacteria; biostimulants; biocontrol agents; bioactive compounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Research Group in Agro–Environmental Biotechnology and Health (MICROBIOTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Naturales Y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia
Interests: microbiological methods; arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; microbiology; biological control; microbial biotechnology; ecology; rhizosphere; microbial culture; crop protection; integrated pest management; soil science

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Microbiology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), 566/6, Bell Road, Clement Town, Dehradun 248002, Uttarakhand, India
Interests: plant microbe interactions; soil microbiology; arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; environmental microbiology; microbial diversity; plant growth-promoting microbes; biocontrol; strigolactone
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Through biomineralization and cooperative evolution, microbes and plants in symbiotic relationships have a great potential to increase soil fertility and quality. Plant growth-promoting rhizomicrobes (PGPR), which exhibit antagonistic and synergistic interactions resulting in plant growth enrichment, can better explain plant activity with microbes. PGPR has a significant impact on the soil's properties and is crucial in transforming uncultivated, poor-quality soil into cultivable soil. For increased agricultural productivity, many regions of the world actively exploited PGPR's ability to improve soil quality and plant growth. Usually, this enters through direct or indirect methods. The direct method entails supplying compounds that promote plant growth directly to the plant. This is achieved using techniques like bio-fertilization, rhizo-remediation, and control of plant stress. The absorption of water and nutrients from the soil is the most frequent environmental factor limiting the growth of terrestrial plant species. By increasing nutrient accessibility or absorption from a finite pool of nutrients in the soil, PGPR as bio-fertilization enhances plant growth. Neutralizing plant stress, which includes biotic and abiotic stress, is another important function of PGPR. Abiotic stress is imposed on a plant by its environment and takes the form of physical or chemical stress. Biotic stress is a biological threat. Advanced biotechnology techniques and the application of techniques like nano- and micro-encapsulation can close these gaps. It is possible to adapt this Special Issue to include PGPR as a strategy for eradicating plant diseases and promoting agricultural output.

Dr. Marika Pellegrini
Dr. Beatriz E. Guerra-Sierra
Guest Editors

Dr. Debasis Mitra
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • bacteria
  • plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)
  • sustainable agriculture
  • ecological additionally, functional biological
  • biotic and abiotic stress
  • bio-fertilization
  • root growth
  • rhizoremediation
  • disease resistance
  • synergistic interactions
  • soil microbiology
  • actinobacteria
  • agriculture
  • soil fertility
  • crop production
  • plant nutrition
  • crop management and organic farming

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 532 KiB  
Article
Variations in Morpho-Cultural Characteristics and Pathogenicity of Fusarium moniliforme of Bakanae Disease of Rice and Evaluation of In Vitro Growth Suppression Potential of Some Bioagents
by Abdullah Al Amin, Md. Hosen Ali, Md. Morshedul Islam, Shila Chakraborty, Muhammad Humayun Kabir and Md. Atiqur Rahman Khokon
Bacteria 2024, 3(1), 1-14; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria3010001 - 29 Jan 2024
Viewed by 853
Abstract
Bakanae is one of the important diseases of rice in Bangladesh that causes substantial yield loss every year. We collected thirty isolates of Fusarium spp. from bakanae-infected rice plants from different agroecological zones of Bangladesh and investigated the variations in cultural and morphological [...] Read more.
Bakanae is one of the important diseases of rice in Bangladesh that causes substantial yield loss every year. We collected thirty isolates of Fusarium spp. from bakanae-infected rice plants from different agroecological zones of Bangladesh and investigated the variations in cultural and morphological characteristics and pathogenicity. Diversity was found in cultural characteristics, viz., colony features, phialide, chlamydospore formation, shape, and size of macro- and microconidia. Three variants of Fusarium species such as F. moniliforme, F. fujikuroi, and F. proliferatum were identified on PDA media based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. Isolate FM10 (F. moniliforme) exhibited the highest disease aggressiveness in developing elongated plants (26.50 cm), the highest number of chlorotic leaves (5.75), and a lower germination percentage. We evaluated different bioagents against the virulent isolate of F. moniliforme to develop a rice bakanae disease management approach. Four bioagents, viz., Trichoderma spp., Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Achromobacter spp., were evaluated for growth suppression of F. moniliforme. Among the bioagents, Achromobacter spp. and B. subtilis (BS21) showed 73.54% and 71.61% growth suppression, respectively. The investigation revealed that the application of Achromobacter spp. and B. subtilis (BS21) would be a potential candidate for effective and eco-friendly management of the bakanae disease of rice. Full article
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13 pages, 1302 KiB  
Communication
Enhancing Manganese Availability for Plants through Microbial Potential: A Sustainable Approach for Improving Soil Health and Food Security
by Bahman Khoshru, Debasis Mitra, Alireza Fallah Nosratabad, Adel Reyhanitabar, Labani Mandal, Beatrice Farda, Rihab Djebaili, Marika Pellegrini, Beatriz Elena Guerra-Sierra, Ansuman Senapati, Periyasamy Panneerselvam and Pradeep Kumar Das Mohapatra
Bacteria 2023, 2(3), 129-141; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria2030010 - 06 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3901
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is essential for plant growth, as it serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in photosynthesis, antioxidant synthesis, and defense against pathogens. It also plays a role in nutrient uptake, root growth, and soil microbial communities. However, the availability of Mn [...] Read more.
Manganese (Mn) is essential for plant growth, as it serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in photosynthesis, antioxidant synthesis, and defense against pathogens. It also plays a role in nutrient uptake, root growth, and soil microbial communities. However, the availability of Mn in the soil can be limited due to factors like soil pH, redox potential, organic matter content, and mineralogy. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers containing Mn can lead to negative consequences for soil and environmental health, such as soil and water pollution. Recent research highlights the significance of microbial interactions in enhancing Mn uptake in plants, offering a more environmentally friendly approach to address Mn deficiencies. Microbes employ various strategies, including pH reduction, organic acid production, and the promotion of root growth, to increase Mn bioavailability. They also produce siderophores, anti-pathogenic compounds, and form symbiotic relationships with plants, thereby facilitating Mn uptake, transport, and stimulating plant growth, while minimizing negative environmental impacts. This review explores the factors impacting the mobility of Mn in soil and plants, and highlights the problems caused by the scarcity of Mn in the soil and the use of chemical fertilizers, including the consequences. Furthermore, it investigates the potential of different soil microbes in addressing these challenges using environmentally friendly methods. This review suggests that microbial interactions could be a promising strategy for improving Mn uptake in plants, resulting in enhanced agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. However, further research is needed to fully understand these interactions’ mechanisms and optimize their use in agricultural practices. Full article
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11 pages, 1227 KiB  
Communication
Enumerating Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Associated with Three Permanent Preservation Plots of Tropical Forests in Bangalore, Karnataka, India
by Saritha Boya, Poorvashree Puttaswamy, Nethravathi Mahadevappa, Balasubramanya Sharma and Remadevi Othumbamkat
Bacteria 2023, 2(1), 70-80; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria2010006 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2199
Abstract
The establishment of Permanent Preservation Plots (PPPs) in natural forests has a signifi-cant role in assessing the impact of climate change on forests. To pursue long-term studies on cli-mate change, PPPs were established during the year 2016 in two major forest areas in [...] Read more.
The establishment of Permanent Preservation Plots (PPPs) in natural forests has a signifi-cant role in assessing the impact of climate change on forests. To pursue long-term studies on cli-mate change, PPPs were established during the year 2016 in two major forest areas in Bangalore to conduct ecological studies to monitor the vegetation changes. One of the objectives of the study was to understand the drivers of diversity, such as soils, in terms of nutrients and physical and biological properties. The native tropical forest of Bangalore, which houses Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) on the outskirts, is relatively underexplored in terms of its microflora, particularly arbuscular my-corrhizal fungi (AMF). Hence, the present study was aimed at the quantitative estimation of arbus-cular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the three 1-ha PPPs which were established in Bannerughatta National Park (BNP) and Doresanipalya Reserve Forest (DRF) as per the Centre for Tropical Forest Sciences (CTFS) protocol. In BNP, two plots were established, one in the Thalewood house area (mixed, moist, deciduous type) and the other in the Bugurikallu area (dry, deciduous type). In DRF, one plot was established in dry, deciduous vegetation. Each one-hectare plot (100 m × 100 m) was subdivided into twenty-five sub-plots (20 m × 20 m). Composite soil samples were collected during two seasons (dry and wet) and analyzed for AMF spore and available phosphorus (P) content. The results revealed the presence of AMF in all the three plots. Doresanipalya plo had the highest spore number, followed by the Bugurikallu plot and Thalewood house plot. The available phosphorous and AMF spore numbers showed correlations in all the three plots. Among the AMF spores, the Glomus species was found to dominate in all the three plots. The study shows that the dry, decidu-ous forests accommodated more AMF spores than the mixed, moist forests. Full article
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Review

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17 pages, 1238 KiB  
Review
Role of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a Plant Growth Enhancer for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review
by Asma Hasan, Baby Tabassum, Mohammad Hashim and Nagma Khan
Bacteria 2024, 3(2), 59-75; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria3020005 - 01 Apr 2024
Viewed by 764
Abstract
The rhizosphere of a plant is home to helpful microorganisms called plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which play a crucial role in promoting plant growth and development. The significance of PGPR for long-term agricultural viability is outlined in this review. Plant growth processes such [...] Read more.
The rhizosphere of a plant is home to helpful microorganisms called plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which play a crucial role in promoting plant growth and development. The significance of PGPR for long-term agricultural viability is outlined in this review. Plant growth processes such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and hormone secretion are discussed. Increased plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, reduced use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and enhanced nutrient availability, soil fertility, and absorption are all mentioned as potential benefits of PGPR. PGPR has multiple ecological and practical functions in the soil’s rhizosphere. One of PGPR’s various roles in agroecosystems is to increase the synthesis of phytohormones and other metabolites, which have a direct impact on plant growth. Phytopathogens can be stopped in their tracks, a plant’s natural defenses can be bolstered, and so on. PGPR also helps clean up the soil through a process called bioremediation. The PGPR’s many functions include indole acetic acid (IAA) production, ammonia (NH3) production, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production, catalase production, and more. In addition to aiding in nutrient uptake, PGPR controls the production of a hormone that increases root size and strength. Improving crop yield, decreasing environmental pollution, and guaranteeing food security are only some of the ecological and economic benefits of employing PGPR for sustainable agriculture. Full article
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15 pages, 1827 KiB  
Review
Harnessing the Power of Zinc-Solubilizing Bacteria: A Catalyst for a Sustainable Agrosystem
by Swapnil Singh, Rohit Chhabra, Ashish Sharma and Aditi Bisht
Bacteria 2024, 3(1), 15-29; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria3010002 - 24 Feb 2024
Viewed by 849
Abstract
A variety of agrochemicals, especially fertilizers, are applied indiscriminately by farmers across trapezoidal landscapes to increase productivity and satisfy the rising food demand. Around one-third of the populace in developing nations is susceptible to zinc (Zn) deficiency as a result of their direct [...] Read more.
A variety of agrochemicals, especially fertilizers, are applied indiscriminately by farmers across trapezoidal landscapes to increase productivity and satisfy the rising food demand. Around one-third of the populace in developing nations is susceptible to zinc (Zn) deficiency as a result of their direct reliance on cereals as a source of calories. Zinc, an essential micronutrient for plants, performs several critical functions throughout the life cycle of a plant. Zinc is frequently disregarded, due to its indirect contribution to the enhancement of yield. Soil Zn deficiency is one of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies that reduces crop yield. A deficiency of Zn in both plants and soils results from the presence of Zn in fixed forms that are inaccessible to plants, which characterizes the majority of agricultural soils. As a result, alternative and environmentally sustainable methods are required to satisfy the demand for food. It appears that the application of zinc-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) for sustainable agriculture is feasible. Inoculating plants with ZSB is likely a more efficacious strategy for augmenting Zn translocation in diverse edible plant components. ZSB possessing plant growth-promoting characteristics can serve as bio-elicitors to promote sustainable plant growth, through various methods that are vital to the health and productivity of plants. This review provides an analysis of the efficacy of ZSB, the functional characteristics of ZSB-mediated Zn localization, the mechanism underlying Zn solubilization, and the implementation of ZSB to increase crop yield. Full article
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18 pages, 2049 KiB  
Review
Rock Phosphate Solubilizing Potential of Soil Microorganisms: Advances in Sustainable Crop Production
by Bahman Khoshru, Alireza Fallah Nosratabad, Debasis Mitra, Manju Chaithra, Younes Rezaee Danesh, Gökhan Boyno, Sourav Chattaraj, Ankita Priyadarshini, Snežana Anđelković, Marika Pellegrini, Beatriz Elena Guerra-Sierra and Somya Sinha
Bacteria 2023, 2(2), 98-115; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria2020008 - 10 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3582
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important elements required for crop production. The ideal soil pH for its absorption by plants is about 6.5, but in alkaline and acidic soils, most of the consumed P forms an insoluble complex with calcium, iron, [...] Read more.
Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important elements required for crop production. The ideal soil pH for its absorption by plants is about 6.5, but in alkaline and acidic soils, most of the consumed P forms an insoluble complex with calcium, iron, and aluminum elements and its availability for absorption by the plant decreases. The supply of P needed by plants is mainly achieved through chemical fertilizers; however, in addition to the high price of these fertilizers, in the long run, their destructive effects will affect the soil and the environment. The use of cheap and abundant resources such as rock phosphate (RP) can be an alternative strategy for P chemical fertilizers, but the solubilization of P of this source has been a challenge for agricultural researchers. For this, physical and chemical treatments have been used, but the solution that has recently attracted the attention of the researchers is to use the potential of rhizobacteria to solubilize RP and supply P to plants by this method. These microorganisms, via. mechanisms such as proton secretion, organic and mineral acid production, siderophore production, etc., lead to the solubilization of RP, and by releasing its P, they improve the quantitative and qualitative performance of agricultural products. In this review, addressing the potential of rhizosphere microbes (with a focus on rhizobacteria) as an eco-friendly strategy for RP solubilization, along with physical and chemical solutions, has been attempted. Full article
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