Plant growth-promoting microbes: Diverse roles in agriculture and environmental sustainability

Abstract

The need for environmental sustainability to create a balance between the future's need and resources available is a key issue at the global level. The world's population is increasing day by day, and natural resources are being exploited rapidly. In this situation, enhancement of agricultural productivity for feeding expanding population is a matter of concern. Conventional agricultural practices for enhancing productivity pose a threat to agroecosystems. Experience with the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticide is bitter. Similarly, the impact of anthropogenic activities and global climate change on the environment is detrimental and created irreversible changes in the agroecosystems. In this scenario, a major focus on plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPM) for restoring the agroecosystems to their original shape is gaining the attention of agronomists and environmentalists. Work on rhizospheric bacteria and fungi has already shown potential in the management of various agricultural problems, and especially their use in the form of biofertilizers and biopesticides has resulted in lesser reliance on synthetic agrochemicals. However, a fresh perspective suggests the role of PGPM in the remediation of ecosystems through removal of recalcitrant compounds and as alleviators of abiotic stresses, thus also helping to combat the impact of climate change. Although PGPM are proving promising tools for environmental sustainability, yet more work needs to be carried out for establishing their firm position to manage agroecosystems in a sustainable manner. Greater knowledge and revelation of the secret of plant-microbe interactions will provide a state-of-the-art solution for food security in terms of quality, quantity, and environmental sustainability.