Expanding agricultural potential through biological nitrogen fixation: Recent advances and diversity of diazotrophic bacteria

Abstract

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) by diazotrophic bacteria is one of the oldest and most crucial processes in nature. In this process, bacteria form symbiotic associations with plants, capturing atmospheric nitrogen and making it readily available to them. The diversity of nitrogenfixing bacteria is vast. Recent advancements in molecular biology techniques have enabled the identification of new genera and species capable of fixing nitrogen and providing other types of nutrients for plants. From an agronomic perspective, this process is fundamental in increasing crop productivity sustainably and -cost-effectively. This review aims to categorize the most recent updates on the diversity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and showcase the main advances in the genetic improvement of legumes for this characteristic. Recent research has revealed a wide diversity of species applicable to various crops of agronomic interest, and many of these bacteria have been used either alone or in consortium with other microorganisms. This study demonstrates the agricultural potential of these new discoveries and the vast possibilities for expanding research into the diversity of microorganisms responsible for BNF in agriculture.