Azospirillum Bacteria and Cultivation of Food Crops

Abstract

Azospirillum is one of the bacteria that can be used as biological fertilizer because the bacteria is known as a producer of PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) which can increase crop production in a sustainable manner. Another potential possessed by Azospirillum is as a biocontrol agent for controlling plant pathogens. The application of Azosprillum in agriculture, especially food crops, is still very limited on a small scale. The purpose of this paper was a literature review that reviews the potential of Azospirillum as a biofertilizer and biocontrol of pathogens in food crops with a focus on its application and impact on the productivity sector. The methodology used a search for literature related to the topics listed in the search for current and relevant information about the use of bacteria of the genus Azospirillum in the cultivation of food crops. Among the studies, selected reports on the use of bacteria from the genus Azospirillum in food crops, which may contain results obtained in the field or in a controlled environment. The conclusion was that field inoculation has not been a major area of Azospirillum research at present, recent field and greenhouse experiments, especially in cereals and rice plant, have once again shown promising potential. The use of Azospirillum bacteria to improve the quality and quantity of food crop products and develop environmentally friendly practices is a reality. However, the development of research that determines the best strategy for the use of this technology in food crops should continue, aiming at the best conditions for producers.