Harnessing Plant–Microorganism Interactions to Mitigate Biotic and Abiotic Stresses for Sustainable Crops

TL;DR

This paper reviews how beneficial microorganisms can help plants withstand environmental and biological stresses, offering a sustainable alternative to agrochemicals.

Contribution

The paper systematically reviews the role of plant growth-promoting microorganisms in mitigating stress and enhancing agricultural sustainability.

Findings

Plant–microorganism interactions can improve plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Microorganisms promote plant growth by fixing nitrogen and solubilizing nutrients like phosphorus and potassium.

These microbes induce systemic resistance and phytohormone synthesis, aiding plant development under stress.

Abstract

Climate change has intensified the occurrence of biotic and abiotic stresses, representing a major threat to agricultural productivity. This climate variability, coupled with the excessive use of agrochemicals, not only compromises environmental sustainability but also exacerbates food insecurity, directly affecting food availability and quality. In this context, biotechnological strategies have proven essential for mitigating the effects of stress on plants, promoting practices focused on agricultural sustainability. Notable among these strategies is the use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms, which are emerging as promising alternatives capable of improving plant tolerance to stress conditions and simultaneously reducing dependence on agrochemicals. These microorganisms can act as nitrogen fixers and solubilizers of nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium. Additionally, they can influence plant immune responses by inducing systemic resistance and promoting the synthesis of phytohormones, such as auxins, cytokinins, and abscisic acid, which support plant development during the stress response. The interaction between plants and microorganisms represents a sustainable agricultural management strategy capable of enhancing crop tolerance to environmental adversities. In this review, we discuss the microorganisms known to establish beneficial interactions with plants, leading to improved performance under biotic and abiotic stress. Overall, this work highlights the potential of plant–microbe partnerships as a cornerstone for advancing sustainable agriculture in the face of global challenges.

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