How can bacteria, as an eco-friendly tool, contribute to sustainable tomato cultivation?

Abstract

To contribute to the sustainability of tomato production, the use of bacteria capable of promoting plant growth are discussed in this chapter, with a focus on the bacterial modes of action regarding their biofertilizer and phytostimulation abilities. The bacterial effects on tomato plant development stages, from seed to fruit and finally on yield, are also covered. The bacterial abilities for phosphate solubilization, release of phytase, siderophores, ACC deaminase, and plant hormones, are reported. Their effects on seed germination, seedling growth, plant growth in the field, fruit quality, and yield are also characterized. It is concluded that the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria should be an eco-friendly tool that contributes to sustainable tomato cultivation.