Emerging insights on the potential role of plant-associated microorganisms in sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Abstract Enhanced chemical input in the agricultural field for the increased crop yield and plant disease management has resulted in the development of the resistant form of phytopathogens, loss of soil structure and fertility, and harmful effect on the ecosystem and human health. At this point, there is a necessity of sustainable alternative methods to compensate issues with injudicious use of agrochemicals. Application of plant beneficial microorganisms executed in the form of biofertilizer and biocontrol agents hence has significant application. Most remarkably, plant microbiome is unique in their biosynthetic potential, antimicrobial, and plant beneficial properties and hence has immense promises to boost agricultural production. This chapter mainly focused on multifaceted applications of plant-associated microorganisms including plant growth promotion, biocontrol properties, stress tolerance, and bioremediation.