Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 70-78 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 74 In conclusion, the integration of PGPM into rice cultivation practices offers a sustainable approach to enhance rice productivity by promoting plant growth, increasing yield, and improving soil health and fertility. The use of these microorganisms as biofertilizers can significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and food security. 4 Case Studies and Field Trials 4.1 Successful applications of PGPM in rice cultivation Several case studies have demonstrated the successful application of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) in rice cultivation across various regions. For instance, a study conducted on rice (cv. 'Tarom Mahalli') in Iran utilized Pantoea ananatis and Piriformospora indica to enhance rice growth and yield. The results showed significant improvements in tiller number, leaf area index, biomass dry weight, grain yield, and nutrient uptake, with co-inoculation proving to be the most effective treatment (Bakhshandeh et al., 2017). Another field experiment in Egypt evaluated the effects of Pantoea ananatis, Enterobacter sp., and Piriformospora indica on rice productivity. The study found that co-inoculation significantly increased grain yield and nutrient use efficiency, particularly when combined with potassium sulfate fertilizer (Bakhshandeh et al., 2020). In India, a field experiment assessed the impact of Anabaena-based biofilm inoculants on micronutrient enrichment in rice grown under conventional and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) practices. The study reported enhanced nutrient uptake, enzyme activity, and yield, with significant increases in iron and zinc concentrations in rice grains (Adak et al., 2016). Additionally, research in Pakistan explored the combined application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on soil fertility and rice production. The results indicated improved nutrient availability, soil health, and rice yield (Figure 2) (Chen et al., 2023). Figure 2 Schematic representation of root and rhizosphere colonization by beneficial microorganisms (Adopted from Soumare et al., 2021) Image caption: AMF, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; ERM, ericoid mycorrhizal fungi; OMF, orchid mycorrhizal fungi; EMF, ectomycorrhizal fungi; EF, endophyte fungi; A, arbuscules; ERH, extraradical hyphae; V, vesicles; S, spore; HC, hyphal coils; P, peloton; HN, Hartig net; and M, mantle (Adopted from Soumare et al., 2021)
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