Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Function of Bacteria in Promoting Plant Growth to Enhance Crop Productivity

Rosazlin Ismail^* Department of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
^*Correspondence: Rosazlin Ismail, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Email:

Received: 02-Jan-2024, Manuscript No. JBP-24-25015; Editor assigned: 05-Jan-2024, Pre QC No. JBP-24-25015 (PQ); Reviewed: 19-Jan-2024, QC No. JBP-24-25015; Revised: 26-Jan-2024, Manuscript No. JBP-24-25015 (R); Published: 02-Feb-2024, DOI: 10.35248/2155-9597.24.15.498

Description

In the complex of nature, plants and microbes engage in a symbiotic relationship that supports the health and vitality of ecosystems. Among these microbial combinations, Plant Growth- Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) are recognized for their significant ability to enhance plant growth and productivity through various mechanisms. In this article, they will focus into the field of PGPB, exploring their mechanisms of action, applications in agriculture, and their potential to revolutionize sustainable farming practices. Plant growth-promoting bacteria are a diverse group of soil-dwelling microbes that form symbiotic associations with plants, benefiting both the microorganisms and their host plants. These bacteria employ a range of mechanisms to promote plant growth, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, production of phytohormones, and biocontrol of plant pathogens.

One of the key roles of PGPB is nitrogen fixation, whereby atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia, a form that can be readily assimilated by plants. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria such as Rhizobium,Azotobacter, and Azospirillum form nodules on the roots of leguminous plants, where they convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, providing a vital source of nitrogen for plant growth. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth, but it often exists in insoluble forms in the soil. PGPB have the ability to solubilize insoluble phosphate compounds, making phosphorus more available to plants. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, andEnterobacterproduce organic acids and enzymes that release phosphate from soil minerals, enhancing plant uptake and utilization of this critical nutrient. PGPB can also influence plant growth and development through the production of phytohormones such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins. These hormones regulate various aspects of plant physiology, including root development, shoot growth, and flowering. Bacteria like Pseudomonas and Bacillus synthesize phytohormones that stimulate root elongation, increase nutrient uptake, and enhance plant vigor. In addition to promoting plant growth directly, PGPB can also protect plants from disease by inhibiting the growth of plant pathogens through competition, antibiosis, and induction of systemic resistance. Certain bacteria, such as Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis, produce antimicrobial compounds that suppress the growth of fungal and bacterial pathogens, reducing the incidence of plant diseases.

Applications of plant growth-promoting bacteria

The multifaceted benefits of PGPB have made them valuable allies in agricultural practices aimed at improving crop yield, reducing chemical inputs, and enhancing soil health. Farmers around the world are increasingly integrating PGPB-based products and practices into their farming systems to achieve sustainable and environmentally friendly crop production.

Biofertilizers: PGPB-based biofertilizers are formulations containing beneficial bacteria that enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. These biofertilizers can be applied to seeds, soil, or plant roots, where they colonize the rhizosphere and provide plants with essential nutrients and growth- promoting compounds. Biofertilizers reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, thereby minimizing environmental pollution and improving soil health over the long term.

Biological control agents: PGPB-based biological control agents are used to suppress plant diseases and pests, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. These microbial biocontrol agents colonize the rhizosphere or phyllosphere of plants, where they out compete pathogens for nutrients and space, produce antimicrobial compounds, and induce systemic resistance in plants. By controlling the natural antagonistic properties of PGPB, farmers can protect their crops from diseases in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.

Soil health and restoration: PGPB play an important role in enhancing soil health and fertility by promoting nutrient cycling, improving soil structure, and suppressing soil-borne diseases. These beneficial microbes contribute to the formation of stable soil aggregates, which increase water infiltration and retention, reduce soil erosion, and enhance root penetration. PGPB also play a key role in soil remediation efforts by promoting the degradation of pollutants and toxins in contaminated soils.

As our understanding of PGPB continues to evolve, the opportunities for controlling their potential in agriculture and environmental management are also expanding. Future research efforts will focus on exploring novel PGPB strains, optimizing formulations and application methods, and integrating PGPB-based products into integral farming systems that promote sustainable crop production and ecosystem resilience.

Conclusion

Plant growth-promoting bacteria represent a valuable resource for sustainable agriculture, offering environmentally friendly solutions to enhance crop productivity, reduce chemical inputs, and improve soil health. By exploiting the beneficial properties of these microbial combinations, farmers can cultivate resilient and productive crops while minimizing their environmental footprint. As they navigate the challenges of feeding a growing global population in a changing climate, PGPB-based strategies have potential for shaping a more sustainable and food-secure future.