This collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in agriculture.
The first chapter considers the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as plant biostimulants in agriculture. It considers the benefits of PGPR, such as their ability to promote plant growth and productivity under both normal and abiotic-stressed induced environments. The chapter also looks towards PGPR application as a sustainable and efficient method to enhance crop production.
The second chapter reviews recent research on the use of PGPR as biofertilizers to enhance root function and improve nutrient uptake, with emphasis on their effects on root architecture, metabolism and adaptation to abiotic stress.
The third chapter explores the use of microbial bio-effectors and their ability to optimise the mineral nutrition of agricultural crops. The chapter also reviews the wealth of research on the mechanism of action, applications and efficacy of key plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs).
The final chapter reviews the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) as a biocontrol agent against invertebrate pests. The chapter analyses the effects of PGPB species against these pest types and enlists a case study on the PGPB species Pseudomonas protegens to further demonstrate this.
Chapter 1 - Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as plant biostimulants in agriculture: Dongmei Lyu, Rachel Backer and Donald Smith, McGill University, Canada; 1 Introduction2 Plant growth promotion3 Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and abiotic stress4 Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) against biotic stress5 Dangers of assuming the effectors or mechanisms are known6 Conclusion and future trends7 Where to look for further information8 References Chapter 2 - PThe use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve root function and crop nutrient use efficiency: Melissa M. Larrabee and Louise M. Nelson, University of British Columbia, Canada; 1 Introduction2 The effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on root function3 The effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on plant mineral nutrition4 Future trends in research5 Conclusion6 Where to look for further information7 References Chapter 3 - PBio-effectors to optimize the mineral nutrition of crop plants: Markus Weinmann and Günter Neumann, University Hohenheim, Germany; 1 Introduction2 Defining ‘bio-effectors’ and other key terms3 Bacillus species4 Pseudomonas species5 Trichoderma species6 Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi7 Synergies between bio-effectors8 Improving bio-effector functionality9 Case study: the BioFector Project10 Conclusions11 Where to look for further information12 References Chapter 4 - PPlant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) as biocontrol agents against invertebrate pests: Luca Ruiu, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Italy; 1 Introduction2 Plant growth promotion3 Action against plant pathogens4 Potential against invertebrate pests5 Applications in agriculture and forestry6 Case study: Pseudomonas protegens7 Conclusion and future trends8 Where to look for further information9 References
