Microbial plant probiotics: Problems in application and formulation

Abstract

Probiotics are live microbial cells or cultures which promote host growth and vigour. The study of the role of microorganisms in soil and plant health and plant-microbe interactions has been the area of interest for plant pathologists and soil microbiologists since beginning of microbiology. Plant probiotics have garnered a considerable amount of attention due to success of human probiotics in improved human health. Plant probiotics are microorganisms or group of microorganisms which by virtue of their potential role in improved nutrient acquisition and/or biocontrol activities can promote soil health, plant growth and enhance plant tolernace or immunity against various abiotic and biotic stresses. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) are good examples of plant probiotics which augment crop production by different activities like nitrogen fixation, growth hormones production, and phosphorus- and mineral- solubilization, enhancing water and nutrient use efficiency, and act as biocontrol and biopesticides. The growing concern ver negative implications of excess use of chemicals in agriculture has led to the search for environmental-friendly alternative plant growth-promoting agents. Plant probiotics (PGPBs) are hence being employed in sustainable agriculture methods across the globe. Although several kinds of biofertilizer and biopesticide formulations are available in the markets and are being used in agricultural practices, their commercial potential is not yet being realized owing to various issues associated with formulations and applications. Therefore, there is a dire need to employ methods and means to enhance the efficacy, safety and shelf-life of the formulations related to plant probiotics. In this chapter, we try to highlight the glitches related with formulations, safety and applications of plant probiotics and also suggest the ways to improve the existing lacunae in formulations and applications of plant probiotics.