Current perspectives and applications in plant probiotics

Abstract

As agriculture and food security face unprecedented challenges, emerging agricultural innovations and existing practices require ongoing examination in the context of sustainability. In this review, we focus on the use of probiotic microorganisms for improved plant production. As plants are enormously diverse, emphasis is placed on the fundamental sites of plant-microbe interactions regarding benefits and challenges encountered when altering the microbiome of these locations. The soil, the external plant epidermis, and internal plant tissue are considered in discussion regarding the type of plant probiotic application. Plant probiotics range from broader soil beneficial microorganisms (such as Trichoderma spp.) through to specialised epiphytes and endophytes (such as root nodule bacteria). As each site of interaction affects plant growth differently, potential outcomes from the introduction of these exogenous microorganisms are discussed with regard to plant productivity. Finally, recommendations regarding regulation and future use of plant probiotics are points of consideration throughout this review.

Nanoparticle applications in agriculture: overview and response of plant-associated microorganisms

“… The location of epiphytes and endophytes within plant leaves, stems and roots. Image adapted and modified from Walker et al (2020) . …”

The Role of the Plant–Soil Relationship in Agricultural Production—With Particular Regard to PGPB Application and Phytoremediation

“…Several new bacterial genera may also be suitable for use as PGPB [13] (Figure 1). However, only a few of them are commercially available, mainly due to the unsuccessful survival of bacteria after application in formulations and agroecosystems [4].…”

Identification of Beneficial Microbial Consortia and Bioactive Compounds with Potential as Plant Biostimulants for a Sustainable Agriculture

“…Soil indigenous and artificially applied plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), the so-called plant probiotics [ 3 , 4 , 5 ], show an important role in promoting soil fertility and enhancing plant health due to their ability to improve crop productivity and nutritional quality [ 6 ], as well as plants’ resistance to pathogens and environmental stresses [ 7 ] and plants’ tolerance to abiotic stresses [ 8 ]. They include a wide variety of microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM-fungi), phosphate solubilizing microorganisms, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, PGP rhizobacteria, actinomycetes, biocontrol strains, and endophytic bacteria [ 9 ], and vary from broader soil beneficial microorganisms through to specialized epiphytes and endophytes [ 10 ]. These microorganisms possess the ability to promote plant growth both by indirect or direct mechanisms, as well as a combination of both.…”