Rhizosphere bacteria from coastal sand dunes and their applications in agriculture

Abstract

Coastal sand dunes are a nutrient-limited ecosystem. The coastal dune ecosystem experiences severe stresses in the form of salt spray, sand burial, low moisture content, high light intensity, wind exposure, soil salinity, and nutrient deficiency (C, N, P, and K). Sand dune plants or psammophytes as they are called are naturally adapted to these stress conditions. The bacteria associated with the vegetation on the dunes, i.e., rhizosphere, and adhered have adapted to this stressed environment by producing biologically active metabolites which have sustained the survival of the vegetation on the dunes. These bacteria produce important plant growth-promoting metabolites which have been harnessed for their use in agricultural crops.