Author:
Wijekoon Champa,Weerasinghe Vinuri
Abstract
The rhizosphere is a dynamic ecosystem consisting of a plethora of microorganisms. The rhizosphere microbiome plays diverse roles in cereal plants. Among them, the bacterial population associated with roots including exophyte microbes and endophytes has a direct impact on plant development and health. In this chapter, we describe the rhizosphere bacterial microbiome in cereals, meta-genomics studies, isolation and identification of rhizobacterial endophytes and exophytes in different cereal plants, characterization of cereal rhizobacteria, and the potential roles of the rhizobacteria in cereal crops. The potential roles of these microbes will be pathogenic, parasitic, neutral, growth-promoting, stress-tolerant, biocontrol, etc. Overall, this chapter will explore the recent research advances and updates in rhizobacteria in cereal crops.