You are in: All categories > Chapters > Crops > Regenerative techniques > Nutrition

Leveraging plant growth-promoting bacteria for enhanced crop nutrient use efficiency and growth

Code: 9781835458235
Publication date: 21-08-2026
Extent: 42 pages

Contributions by: A. S. S. Sousa, P. M. L. Castro and S. I. A. Pereira, Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF) – Catholic University of Portugal, Portugal

Chapter synopsis:

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can improve plant development by enhancing nutrient availability and uptake, thereby reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Despite their potential, use of PGPB is still limited, particularly due to inconsistent performance under field conditions. This chapter explores the principal benefits of plants associated with PGPB and the key factors determining the success of PGPB-based biostimulants, including environmental conditions and root colonization efficiency. It critically synthesizes existing literature, identifies key knowledge gaps, technical bottlenecks, and highlights emerging solutions. Emphasis is placed on strain selection, advanced formulation technologies, and integration into sustainable farming systems, essential for field-ready PGPB-based biostimulants.



DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0166.11
£25.00
Buy ePub   
Table of contents
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Types of plant growth-promoting bacteria and mechanisms of action: overview
  • 3 Nutrient acquisition: nitrogen and phosphorus
  • 4 Nutrient acquisition: production of siderophores
  • 5 Nutrient acquisition: production of phytohormones
  • 6 Nutrient acquisition: production of exopolysaccharides
  • 7 Abiotic stress alleviation
  • 8 Pathogen suppression and biocontrol
  • 9 Benefits of plant growth-promoting bacteria for crop nutrient uptake and growth
  • 10 Factors affecting efficacy of plant growth promoting bacteria-based biostimulants: microbial competition, host specificity and environmental conditions
  • 11 Enhancing efficacy of plant growth-promoting bacteria-based biostimulants: strain selection and screening
  • 12 Enhancing development and use of plant growth promoting bacteria-based biostimulants: microbial consortia design, in vitro and in vivo testing
  • 13 Enhancing development and use of plant growth-promoting bacteria-based biostimulants: formulation, application and integration with existing practices
  • 14 Conclusion and future trends
  • 15 Where to look for further information
  • 16 Acknowledgments
  • 17 References

Related products

Also in Nutrition