Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.3, 171-181 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 177 their efficiency in nitrogen fixation and other plant growth-promoting traits. For instance, studies have shown that genetically modified strains of diazotrophic bacteria can significantly enhance sugarcane growth and yield. The introduction of specific genes responsible for nitrogen fixation and other beneficial traits can lead to more robust and efficient bacterial strains (Kruasuwan and Thamchaipenet, 2016; Renan et al., 2016; Antunes et al., 2019). Additionally, the use of high-throughput sequencing and other molecular techniques has allowed for a deeper understanding of the genetic diversity and functional potential of these bacteria, paving the way for more targeted genetic modifications (Figure 3) (Malviya et al., 2022). Figure 3 Circular representation of the proportional structure of bacterial communities at the phylum level based on 16s rRNA (A) and nifH gene (B) associated with the sugarcane rhizosphere of different species (Adopted from Malviya et al., 2022) Image caption: Values within the inner circle indicate the number of reads of a phylum within the normalized dataset. S. officinarum L. cv Badila (BRS), S. barberi Jesw. cv Pansahi (PRS), S. robustum(RRS), S. spontaneum(SRS), and S. sinense Roxb. cv Uba (URS) (Adopted from Malviya et al., 2022) 7.2 Innovations in inoculation techniques Innovative inoculation techniques have been developed to maximize the benefits of diazotrophic bacteria in promoting sugarcane growth. Traditional methods of inoculation often face challenges such as uneven distribution and low survival rates of the bacteria. Recent advancements include the development of more effective carrier materials and formulations that enhance the viability and colonization efficiency of the bacteria. For example, co-inoculation with multiple strains of diazotrophic bacteria and other beneficial microbes has shown synergistic effects, leading to improved plant growth and nutrient uptake (Sevilla et al., 2001; Oliveira et al., 2006; Kruasuwan and Thamchaipenet, 2016). Additionally, the use of micropropagated sugarcane plantlets has been optimized to ensure successful colonization by diazotrophic bacteria, further enhancing their growth-promoting effects (Oliveira et al., 2009). 7.3 Molecular approaches to study bacteria-plant interactions Molecular approaches have significantly advanced our understanding of the interactions between diazotrophic bacteria and sugarcane plants. Techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), quantitative PCR, and high-throughput sequencing have been employed to study the colonization patterns, population dynamics, and functional roles of these bacteria within the plant rhizosphere and tissues (Oliveira et al., 2006; Oliveira et al., 2009). These methods have revealed the complex and dynamic nature of bacteria-plant interactions, highlighting the importance of specific bacterial strains and their interactions with plant genotypes and environmental conditions. For instance, studies have shown that different sugarcane varieties respond differently to bacterial
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