Molecular Soil Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 8-16 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 8 Research Report Open Access Harnessing the Power of PGPR: Unraveling the Molecular Interactions Between Beneficial Bacteria and Crop Roots LizhenHan College of Life Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China Corresponding author email: lzhan1@gzu.edu.cn Molecular Soil Biology, 2024, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0002 Received: 20 Nov., 2023 Accepted: 25 Dec., 2023 Published: 15 Jan., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Han, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Han L.Z., 2024, Harnessing the power of PGPR: unraveling the molecular interactions between beneficial bacteria and crop roots, Molecular Soil Biology, 15(1): 8-16 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0002) Abstract Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have emerged as a promising eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, offering significant benefits for sustainable agriculture. This systematic review delves into the intricate molecular interactions between PGPR and crop roots, highlighting their potential to enhance plant growth and health. PGPR, such as fluorescent Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus cereus, and multispecies inoculants, have been shown to improve crop yields by various mechanisms, including nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and the synthesis of phytohormones These bacteria also play a crucial role in disease suppression by competing with pathogens for nutrients, producing antimicrobial compounds, and inducing systemic resistance in plants. The review further explores the role of root exudates and bacterial secretions in modulating these interactions, emphasizing the importance of specific genes and metabolites in the process. Recent advancements in metatranscriptomics and gene expression profiling have provided deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these beneficial interactions, paving the way for more effective application of PGPR in agriculture. By understanding these complex interactions, we can develop innovative strategies to harness the full potential of PGPR, ultimately contributing to sustainable crop production and environmental conservation. Keywords Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR); Crop roots; Molecular interactions; Sustainable agriculture; Nitrogen fixation; Phosphate solubilization; Disease suppression; Root exudates; Metatranscriptomics Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a diverse group of bacteria that colonize plant roots and enhance plant growth through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, and biological nitrogen fixation, among others (Lugtenberg and Kamilova, 2009; Bhattacharyya and Jha, 2011; Nagargade et al., 2018). The significance of PGPR lies in their potential to replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices (Bhattacharyya and Jha, 2011; Pérez-Montaño et al., 2014; Sinha et al., 2021). Understanding the molecular interactions between PGPR and crop roots is crucial for optimizing their application and maximizing their benefits in agriculture (Benizri et al., 2001; Oleńska et al., 2020). PGPR are beneficial bacteria found in the rhizosphere, the region of soil surrounding plant roots. They promote plant growth directly by enhancing nutrient availability and indirectly by protecting plants from pathogens (Lugtenberg and Kamilova, 2009; Singh et al., 2013; Nagargade et al., 2018). The ability of PGPR to improve plant health and yield makes them a valuable tool in sustainable agriculture (Bhattacharyya and Jha, 2011; Pérez-Montaño et al., 2014; Sinha et al., 2021). The molecular interactions between PGPR and crop roots are complex and involve various signaling pathways and biochemical processes. These interactions are essential for the successful colonization of plant roots by PGPR and the subsequent promotion of plant growth (Benizri et al., 2001; Lugtenberg and Kamilova, 2009). A deeper understanding of these molecular mechanisms can lead to the development of more effective PGPR-based biofertilizers and biocontrol agents (Nagargade et al., 2018; Oleńska et al., 2020). The purpose of this review is to highlight the importance of PGPR in sustainable agriculture, identify key molecular mechanisms involved in PGPR-crop root interactions, and discuss potential applications and future
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