Forecasting The Possibilities of Plant Growthpromoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) As Nextgeneration Biofertilizers: An Extensive Analysis
Forecasting The Possibilities of Plant Growthpromoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) As Nextgeneration Biofertilizers: An Extensive Analysis
Forecasting The Possibilities of Plant Growthpromoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) As Nextgeneration Biofertilizers: An Extensive Analysis
(ISBN: 978-93-95847-59-9)
Editors
Chemistry, Bihar Agricultural University, Late Pundalikrao Gawali Arts and Science
February, 2024
Copyright Editors
Editors: Dr. Gopichand Singh, Dr. Pavan Singh, Dr. Amit Kumar Pandey, Dr. Simeet S. Rokade
ISBN: 978-93-95847-59-9
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PREFACE
Abstract:
Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) represents a promising avenue in modern
agriculture for sustainable crop production. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted
potential of PGPR as a next generation biofertilizers. We delve into their diverse mechanisms of
action, ranging from nutrient acquisition and hormone modulation to disease suppression and
stress tolerance enhancement. Furthermore, we discuss the current state of research on PGPR,
highlighting recent advancements and challenges in their application as biofertilizers. Research
has demonstrated that inoculating plants with plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) or
treating plants with microbe-to-plant signal compounds can be an effective strategy to stimulate
crop growth. Plants have evolved to respond to microbial quorum sensing compounds and to
produce analogs, providing plants with another level of regulation over the rhizomicrobiome.
Drawing upon this analysis, we provide insights into the outlook of PGPR-based solutions,
emphasizing their role in addressing global agricultural challenges and fostering the possibilities
in environmentally friendly practices.
Keywords: PGPR, global agricultural, next generation, biofertilizers, disease, sustainable crop.
Introduction:
A new revolution in agricultural innovation will be needed to sustain the food, fiber, and
fuel needs of a growing global population and a changing climate through the 21st century. A
“Fresh” Green Revolution, perhaps the Bio-Revolution, needs to be based on fewer intensive
inputs with reduced environmental impact. (Backer et al., 2018). Plant growth-promoting
rhizobacteria (PGPR) are involved in various mechanisms such as phosphate solubilization,
siderophore production, biological nitrogen fixation, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid
deaminase (ACC) production, and quorum sensing (QS). Rhizosphere bacteria that positively
influence plant growth through. Signal interference and inhibition of biofilm formation,
phytohormone production, antimicrobial activity, induction of systemic resistance (ISR),
promotion of beneficial plant-microbe symbiosis, and many other mechanisms. (Benaissa, 2019).
PGPR is used in a variety of ways, including supplying atmospheric nitrogen, synthesizing
siderophores, producing plant hormones such as auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins, dissolving
phosphorus (P) and other minerals, or synthesizing stress-reducing enzymes. promotes the
growth of plant symbionts. 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase or cell wall
degrading enzyme. (Olanrewaju et al., 2017). PGPR classified as e2PGPR which means
exophytes and endophytes. Exophytes bacterial genera included Azotobacter, Serratia,
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Azospirillum, Bacillus, Caulobacter, Chromobacterium, Agrobacterium, Micrococcous,
Pseudomonas and Burkholderia. Endophytes bacterial genera may include Allorhizobium,
Bradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium and Rhizobium. Exophytes inhabit the rhizospere or in the
spaces between the cell cortex. Endophytic bacteria live inside the specialized nodal structures of
root cells.
The need for sustainable agriculture
By 2050, the world's population will be around 10 billion, putting existing food resources
under severe pressure. (United Nations, 2015). In addition to the well-characterized legume-
rhizobia symbiosis, rhizobia that promote plant growth include N2-fixing rhizobia that colonize
the rhizosphere, which supplies nitrogen to plants. Regardless of the mechanism that promotes
plant growth, PGPR must colonize the rhizosphere around the roots, the rhizoplane (the root
surface), or the roots themselves (within the root problem). (Hagera et al., 2020) Plant growth-
promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known for enhancing crop productivity as well as plant
protection. (Jai Singh Patel et al., 2021).
Role of microbial biofertilizers
The use of biofertilizers dates to the 1980s, when the first rhizobial formulations were
patented and marketed in Germany (Nobbe and Hiltner, 1986). Microorganisms such as rhizobia,
bacilli, and pseudomonas secrete hydrogen cyanide, decomposing pathogens and ensuring plant
defense against pathogenic diseases. N2-fixed biofertilizers have been widely studied on
legumes, and it is important to demonstrate their potential in non-legume crops using non-
symbiotic diazotrophs such as Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Gluconaceotobacter, and
Burkholderia. requires further effort. (Becky et al., 2022).
Emergence of PGPR as next-generation biofertilizers
PGPR can be used to improve plant health and promote plant growth without polluting
the environment. (Calbo et al., 2014). The report highlighted the need for better PGPR
biofertilizers to supplement rapidly increasing agri-food production as one of the main drivers of
the economy. Incorporation of nanoencapsulation technology is pivotal in revolutionizing his
PGPR biofertilizer formulations today. (Pravin et al., 2016).
Mechanisms underlying PGPR-mediated plant growth promotion
PGPB can usually promote plant growth directly by promoting resource acquisition or
modulating phytohormone levels, or indirectly by reducing the inhibitory effects of various
pathogens on plant growth and development. Can promote plant growth hormone by acting as a
biocontrol bacterium. (Glick, 1995).
1. Nutrient mobilization and cycling
Biofertilizers, or microorganisms, that help plants absorb nutrients can do a variety of
things, including increasing the surface area accessible to plant roots, fixing nitrogen, promoting
phosphorus solubilization, producing siderophores, and producing prussic acid. It works in a
way. (Pii et al., 2015). The production of HCN by PGPR was initially thought to promote plant
growth by suppressing pathogens. However, this idea has recently been questioned by Rijavec
and Lapanje, 2016.
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2. Functional traits contributing to plant growth promotion
Phenotypic traits and their associated trade-offs have been shown to have globally
consistent effects on individual plant physiological functions. (Westoby et al., 2002). The timing
of phenological events (such as leaf emergence, flowering, fruiting and leaf senescence) is
crucial for species resource acquisition and reproductive success (e.g. plant–pollinator
interaction, Nord & Lynch, 2009; Liu et.al, 2021)
Applications of PGPR in agriculture
A 50% increase in agricultural output is required to feed the world’s rapidly expanding
population, roughly 9 billion people by 2050. (Alexandratos and Bruinsma, 2012) One of the
best tactics is thought to be the phytomicrobiome, which is thought to be a superior substitute for
sustainable agriculture and a workable way to address the two main issues of environmental
stability and global food security. The agricultural sector is using the phytomicrobiome more and
more because of its environmentally friendly and sustainable mechanisms for promoting plant
growth. (Atteeq shah et al., 2021)
1. Enhancing soil fertility and nutrient availability
Since almost all the world's land suitable for agricultural production is currently under
cultivation, future food and fiber demands must be met by increasing crop yields per unit area.
More than 50% of the world's land is degraded, reaching nearly 70% in some areas, and
anthropogenic land degradation threatens our ability to meet 21st century food and fiber
demands. (Gomiero. 2016). The development of biofertilizers containing organic waste has been
shown to increase the availability of nutrients to plants. (Fuentes Ramírez, L.E., 2005). Effective
nutrient management requires quantifying plant nutrient requirements and soil nutrient delivery
capacity through soil testing. When nutrients are applied more than plant requirements, residual
nutrients increase and, if not used or recovered in subsequent crops, can result in off-site
transport and lead to environmental degradation. (Sattari et al., 2012).
Challenges and limitations in harnessing PGPR as biofertilizers
The beneficial mechanisms of plant growth improvement include enhanced availability of
nutrients (i.e., N, P, K, Zn and S), phytohormone modulation, biocontrol of phytopathogens and
amelioration of biotic and abiotic stresses. This plant-microbe interplay is indispensable for
sustainable agriculture and these microbes may perform an essential role as an ecological
engineer to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. The preparation of the inoculum, the addition
of cell protectants like glycerol, lactose or starch an appropriate carrier material, suitable
packaging, and the most efficient delivery methods are some of the steps involved in creating a
solid based or liquid biofertilizer formulation. PGP microbes have several advantageous qualities
that make them useful as biofertilizers, such as the ability to break down organic matter, improve
nutrient availability, produce phytohormones, and lessen the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses.
The use of biofertilizers has currently emerged as a cost effective and ecofriendly alternative
than chemical-based fertilizers. Substantial progress has been achieved recently in the
development of effective biofertilizers for different crops. Current unravelling of the complex
microbial communities using molecular tools showed that fertile soil contains both beneficial as
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well as detrimental organisms, which act as facilitators of plant processes (Satish Kumar et al.,
2022).
Future outlook and perspectives:
Agriculture bears a great deal of responsibility because as the world’s population rises, so
does the need for food. However, biotic and abiotic stress in different forms continues to affect
agricultural productivity. Drought productivity is one significant abiotic stressor that affects
agriculture every year because it causes a range of morphological, biochemical, and
physiological changes in the plants. Reduced photosynthesis and transpiration rate, as well as
inhibited root and shoot growth, are some of these modifications., increased production of
reactive oxygen species (ROS), osmotic adjustments, and altered stress signaling pathways and
regulation of leaf senescence. Mitigation techniques need to be created since these changes could
permanently harm the plants. Drought-resistant agricultural cultivars have minimal benefits and
are more costly and labor-intensive to use. But taking advantage of plant growth-promoting
rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a tried-and-true substitute with Next generation agriculture system.
1. Integration with precision agriculture and digital technologies
Digital innovation in agriculture represents, according to the United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization, a great opportunity to eradicate poverty and hunger and mitigate the
effects of climate change. Through digitalization, all parts of the agri-food production chain will
be modified, since connectivity and the processing of large amounts of information in an instant
allows for more efficient work, greater economic return, greater environmental benefits, and
better working conditions in the field. To adopt and execute creative ideas, governments will
need to support the growth of rural communities and small companies as well as bolster the
infrastructure in rural areas to implement these reforms. (FAO, 2020.)
2. Advancements in synthetic biology and microbiome engineering
Because drought stress has a very negative impact on plant growth and productivity,
many drought monitoring techniques have been developed, each with advantages and
disadvantages. The application of PGPR not only provides additional direct and indirect benefits
that significantly improve crop performance but is also very successful in overcoming drought
periods. (Gowtham et al., 2022).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the synthesis of the potential of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria
(PGPR) as next-generation biofertilizers presents a promising avenue for sustainable agriculture.
Through this research, it is evident that PGPR possess multifaceted mechanisms that contribute
to plant growth enhancement, disease suppression, and stress tolerance. The extensive
understanding of PGPR-plant interactions, molecular mechanisms, and ecological impacts
underscores their significance in modern agricultural practices.
One of the key findings is the ability of PGPR to enhance nutrient availability and uptake
by plants, leading to improved growth and yield. Moreover, the ability of certain PGPR strains to
solubilize phosphates and fix atmospheric nitrogen further emphasizes their potential as
biofertilizers, offering eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers. Additionally, the
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production of various secondary metabolites such as phytohormones and antimicrobial
compounds by PGPR contributes to plant health and resilience against pathogens and
environmental stresses.
Furthermore, the exploration of PGPR consortia and their synergistic interactions
highlights the importance of microbial community dynamics in soil health and plant
productivity. Harnessing the power of microbial consortia tailored to specific crop and soil
conditions could maximize the benefits of PGPR biofertilizers in diverse agricultural systems.
However, several challenges remain in realizing the full potential of PGPR biofertilizers,
including optimizing formulations, ensuring compatibility with other agricultural inputs, and
addressing regulatory hurdles. Moreover, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms
underlying PGPR-plant interactions and their long-term effects on soil health and ecosystem
sustainability.
In conclusion, the integration of PGPR-based biofertilizers into agricultural practices
holds great promise for enhancing crop productivity while minimizing environmental impacts.
Continued research and innovation in this field are essential to unlock the full potential of PGPR
as next generation biofertilizers and to facilitate their widespread adoption in sustainable
agriculture.
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