Does plant-Microbe interaction confer stress tolerance in plants: A review?

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Microbiology
• Plant Science

Background:

• Biotic and abiotic stresses significantly limit crop yield, impacting food quality and global food security.
• Conventional agriculture relies on inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, leading to soil degradation and environmental pollution.
• Sustainable alternatives are crucial for modern agriculture to ensure food security and environmental health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review beneficial microorganisms that confer tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses in plants.
• To explore the mechanisms by which these microorganisms enhance plant growth and stress resistance.
• To highlight the role of plant-microbe interactions in sustainable agriculture.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPM) and mycorrhizal fungi.
• Analysis of mechanisms including hormonal regulation, nutrient acquisition, and induced systemic resistance (ISR).
• Examination of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) roles in nutrient supply and stress tolerance.

Main Results:

• PGPM promote plant growth via hormone regulation, enhanced nutrition, siderophore production, and improved antioxidant systems.
• ASR and ISR are key mechanisms for managing biotic stress.
• AM fungi improve nutrient and water uptake, increasing plant tolerance to various stresses.

Conclusions:

• Plant-microbe interactions are vital for sustainable agriculture, offering an alternative to conventional practices.
• Microorganisms act as ecological engineers, mitigating environmental stress challenges.
• Utilizing stress-tolerant microbes presents a feasible technology for future food production with reduced environmental impact.