Exploring Plant-Microbial Interactions for Improved Crop Health and Growth

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore how plant microbial interactions can increase crop health and growth, which involves the symbiotic relationships between the plants and beneficial microorganisms – plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic bacteria. These microorganisms aid plant root growth, and improve nutrient uptake, as well as plant response to biotic and abiotic stresses. These microbes provide support to plant growth by mechanisms such as phosphorous solubilization, nitrogen fixation, phytohormone production and protease production, which decrease plant reliance on chemical fertilizers. Furthermore, they produce antimicrobial compounds and induce systemic resistance, reducing disease whereas not using synthetic pesticides. More recently, improvements in microbial inoculation techniques (encapsulation, nano-encapsulation, etc.) allow microbes to live and survive in a variety of agricultural conditions. In this research, the potential of microbial applications for crop yield enhancement, improved soil health and sustainable farming practices is explored. Plant microbial interactions can be integrated into agricultural systems so that productivity can be maximized while environmental impact minimized. The tangible benefits of these interactions are demonstrated with field trials and case studies from the study, which lay a foundation for producing microbial bioformulations that are specific to specific crops. This method is in agreement with sustainable agriculture goals; it is an environment friendly solution towards improving crop productivity and increasing crop resilience in witnessing the demand of global food in terms of its increasing.