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The Miracle of Symbiosis: What Is the Secret Alliance Between Plants and Bacteria?
In recent years, the rapid development of biotechnology has enabled us to rediscover the many potentials of agricultural production, and microbial inoculants (also known as soil inoculants or biological inoculants) are one of the innovative agricultural tools. These beneficial root microorganisms and endophytic microorganisms are increasingly valued for their role in promoting plant health, not only improving nutrient absorption but also promoting plant growth, all due to the magical symbiotic relationship between them.
Microbial inoculants allow plants to more efficiently absorb nutrients from the soil, improving overall crop productivity.
Microbial inoculants are not limited to the role of biofertilizers; they can also induce systemic acquired resistance in crops to a variety of common diseases. Studies have shown that this resistance is effective against diseases such as powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei), pitting disease (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici), leaf spot (Pseudomonas syringae) and root rot (Fusarium culmorum). All have significant protective effects.
Main Types of Bacterial Inoculants
Rhizobacterial inoculants
Gastrointestinal bacteria, or PGPR for short, usually include beneficial microorganisms such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, which can improve the efficiency of plant utilization of important macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.
Nitrogen fixing bacteria
The most common nitrogen-fixing bacteria are Rhizobium, which form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of legumes, thereby improving the nitrogen status of the legumes. For non-leguminous crops, studies have shown that certain bacteria such as Azospirillum can also promote nitrogen fixation and its absorption of plant nutrients.
Phosphorus-dissolving bacteriaTo improve phosphorus nutrition in plants, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) such as Agrobacterium radiobacter have also attracted much attention. These bacteria are able to convert inorganic soil phosphorus into simpler forms that plants can absorb.
Fungal inoculants
The symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots is called mycorrhiza. This relationship exists in nearly all land plants and provides a mutually beneficial condition for the survival of both plants and fungi.
Stem mushroom roots
Agaricus roots (AM) are valued for their advantages in providing plant phosphorus nutrition. In one study, tomato crops supplemented with AM fungi and rhizobacteria achieved a yield of 100% fertility even with a 30% reduction in nutrients, which would be a major advance in reducing fertilizer use.
In addition, AM fungi inoculation can improve crop tolerance to salt and drought, and help plants resist heavy metal toxicity.
Use of synthetic inoculants
Studies on the synthesis of multiple plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPR) inoculants have shown that such inoculants can significantly improve the growth of rice and barley and enhance plant nutrient uptake from soil and fertilizers. Such combined inoculations have also been shown in several studies to improve cereal yields, particularly under poor soil conditions.
Future agricultural production will be given new vitality by the secret alliance between these microorganisms and plants.
In their various uses, whether in home gardens, agricultural production, or land restoration projects, these bioinoculants have shown their immeasurable potential. As scientific research deepens, we will have a deeper understanding of these microorganisms and their role in ecological balance and crop yields. What kind of changes can the complexity and mystery of the microbial world bring to our future agriculture?
