Potential innovations from the application of beneficial soil microbes to promote sustainable crop production

Abstract

Crop productivity may be significantly inhibited by factors, such as increased temperature, soil erosion, pathogen and pest attacks, and drought and salt stresses, mostly resulting from global climate change. However, microorganisms that are found in the rhizosphere can aid in the mobilization of essential soil nutrients, facilitate plant growth, and reduce abiotic and biotic stresses of plants. Soil microbes accomplish these beneficial functions via several mechanisms. Here, an elaborate description of the molecular mechanisms of plant growth-promotion by soil microbes and the potential of these organisms to be used as biofertilizers and biopesticides to improve plant health is provided. In addition, the possible revolution that could be realized by the synergism of these beneficial microbes with nanotechnology is discussed. While the use of biofertilizers to enhance plant growth has been demonstrated to be a beneficial phenomenon, this approach has often failed to yield the desired result in field applications. However, identifying microbial species with beneficial attributes and combining them with nanotechnology tools like nanoencapsulation and biosensors could lead to the formulation of important agriproducts (nanobiopesticides and nanobiofertilizers) that will ensure sustained delivery of the agriproducts and facilitate early detection and proper management of plant pests and diseases. It is anticipated that precision farming will improve agricultural sustainability by increasing crop production for the steadily increasing world population. Keywords: biofertilizers, secondary metabolites, nanoencapsulation, quorum sensing, volatile organic compounds, sustainable agriculture.