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Harnessing Beneficial Microbes for Drought Tolerance: A Review of Ecological and Agricultural Innovations

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  • Grzegorz Mikiciuk

    (Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 71-434 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Tymoteusz Miller

    (Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
    Faculty of Data Science and Information, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia)

  • Anna Kisiel

    (Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Danuta Cembrowska-Lech

    (Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Małgorzata Mikiciuk

    (Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Environmental Management and Agriculture, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, 71-434 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Adrianna Łobodzińska

    (Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
    Doctoral School of the University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Kamila Bokszczanin

    (Department of Pomology and Horticulture Economics, Institute of Horticultural Sciences SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159 Str., 02-787 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

Drought is an increasingly critical global challenge, significantly impacting agricultural productivity, food security, and ecosystem stability. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of drought events, innovative strategies are essential to enhance plant resilience and sustain agricultural systems. This review explores the vital role of beneficial microbes in conferring drought tolerance, focusing on Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), mycorrhizal fungi, endophytes, actinomycetes, and cyanobacteria. These microorganisms mitigate drought stress through diverse mechanisms, including osmotic adjustment, enhancement of root architecture, modulation of phytohormones, induction of antioxidant defenses, and regulation of stress-responsive gene expression. Ecological and agricultural innovations leveraging these beneficial microbes have demonstrated significant potential in bolstering drought resilience. Strategies such as soil microbiome engineering, bioaugmentation, and the integration of microbial synergies within pest management frameworks enhance ecosystem resilience and agricultural sustainability. Additionally, advancements in agricultural practices, including seed coating, soil amendments, the development of microbial consortia, and precision agriculture technologies, have validated the effectiveness and scalability of microbial interventions in diverse farming systems. Despite promising advancements, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of microbial solutions. Environmental variability can affect microbial performance, necessitating the development of robust and adaptable strains. Scale-up and commercialization hurdles, economic constraints, and regulatory and safety considerations also pose significant barriers. Furthermore, the complex interactions between microbes, plants, and their environments require a deeper understanding to optimize microbial benefits consistently. Future research should focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies such as genomics, synthetic biology, and precision agriculture to refine and enhance microbial interventions. Collaborative efforts among academia, industry, and government are essential to bridge the gap between research and practical implementation. By addressing these challenges and harnessing microbial innovations, it is possible to develop resilient and sustainable agricultural systems capable of thriving in an increasingly water-scarce world.

Suggested Citation

  • Grzegorz Mikiciuk & Tymoteusz Miller & Anna Kisiel & Danuta Cembrowska-Lech & Małgorzata Mikiciuk & Adrianna Łobodzińska & Kamila Bokszczanin, 2024. "Harnessing Beneficial Microbes for Drought Tolerance: A Review of Ecological and Agricultural Innovations," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-41, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:12:p:2228-:d:1537537
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    References listed on IDEAS

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