Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria: A biofertilization alternative for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Modern agriculture faces new challenges in integrating ecological and molecular approaches to achieve higher crop yields and minimize environmental impacts. In order to generate higher yields, synthetic fertilizer doses per unit area have been significantly increased, which can cause pollution, damage to health, and loss of soil fertility, becoming one of the most important concerns in agricultural production. To improve production without the use of synthetic fertilizers, research has been directed towards the development of new biotechnologies, leading to a growing interest in beneficial soil microorganisms that can promote plant growth and, in some cases, prevent infections of plant tissue by pathogens. The interactions of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with the biotic environment of plants and microorganisms are very complex and use different mechanisms of action to promote plant growth. These mechanisms are grouped into: 1) biofertilization; 2) phytostimulation; and 3) biocontrol. Inoculation of crops with PGRP substantially reduces the use of synthetic fertilizers and negative impacts on the soil, increases crop yields, and contributes to the producer’s economy and the population’s food supply. This review describes the basic aspects inherent to the interaction between CVPGRs and plant species, focusing on the benefits that CVPGRs bring to agricultural activity.