Strategies for characterization of agriculturally important bacteria

Abstract

The technology of plant production always faced fast-growing food and energy demands, but driven by a new approach, the answer for those demands must be socially and environmentally conscious. In this way we have a very powerful tool, bacteria, that benefit the plants. Therefore, to use that natural resource, some aspects must be observed, such as carrying out isolation of strains directed to the use (when possible) and correctly identify the strain used, not only by morphological techniques but also by molecular techniques, looking for the necessary biosafety for those who will use the developed technology. The characterization of strains will define the potential use that we want to follow: biofertilizer, phytostimulators, or biocontrol agents. After identifying the main characteristics of bacteria, there is a universe of possibilities regarding the plant interaction and bacteria, such as the signal recognition, penetration, and establishment, and whether the bacteria are endophytic, epiphytic, or rhizospheric. Before the immersion on the complexity of the issue, our aim was to contribute for the characterization of agricultural interest of bacteria, with attention to the desired characteristics, and discuss the mechanisms within each line of action - biofertilizer, phytostimulators, or biocontrol agents.