Plant Growth Promotion and Suppression of Fungal Pathogens in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) by Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria

Abstract

Crop plants play an outstanding function in providing food and energy to humans. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important stable crops that have a role in providing the main food to more than half of the world's people. One of the important factors in increasing yield in rice is the balanced nutrition or supply of the required nutrients in the proper form and ratios. Chemical fertilizers are essential components of modern agriculture by providing essential plant nutrients. However, the overuse of these fertilizers causes serious environmental pollution. But threats of plant pathogens on the attack and damages on the crop productivity cannot be ruled out. Therefore, chemical-based pesticides are thought to be an effective and trustworthy agricultural management measure for repressing pests. Nowadays, the use of beneficial microorganisms and biological control agents are proved as good as synthetic pure/chemicals for the increased plant growth and yield. The diminished utilization of chemical fertilizers for the management of plant pathogens is considered as a secure and maintainable strategy for safe and rewarding agricultural productivity. Based on research conducted until this moment, rice-associated bacteria are encouraging alternatives to chemical fertilizers in an eco-friendly manner. In general, the application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) could offer a cheaper and cost-effective approach to overcome the environmental problems caused by chemical fertilizers and their use in the form of biofertilizers and biopesticides could decrease our reliance on synthetic agrochemicals. This chapter highlights the importance of PGPB for enhancing sustainable rice production.