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Microbial solutions: a sustainable approach to mitigate plant stress in challenging environments
Abstract
This study examines how beneficial microorganisms, specifically endophytic microbes, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), increase plant's resistance to abiotic conditions such heat, salinity, drought, and heavy metal toxicity. Beneficial microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), play a pivotal role in promoting plant health by enhancing defence mechanisms against abiotic stresses, including heat, drought, salinity, and heavy metals. These microbes utilize distinct metabolic pathways to boost plant stress tolerance. For example, AMF colonizes plant root zones, improving nutrient uptake, soil health, and protection against environmental stressors. Additionally, AMF and PGPR trigger metabolic changes that regulate stress hormones, enhancing plant performance under challenging conditions. PGPRs contribute to plant growth by synthesizing essential growth regulators like auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins, supporting plant development under stress. These microbial strategies promote plant health and offer significant potential for sustainable agriculture. By fostering beneficial plant-microbe interactions, farmers can reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, embracing eco-friendly farming practices. Ultimately, microbial adaptation mechanisms can contribute to a healthier ecosystem, more efficient crop yields, and increased food security, offering a promising solution for mitigating the impacts of climate change and environmental stressors on agriculture. For better production systems, incorporating these microbial tactics offers tremendous promise for developing resilient cropping systems, sustaining food security, and keeping ecosystems robust amid increasing environmental challenges
