Chapter 4 - Sustainable stress mitigation with microorganisms in viticulture

Abstract

In order to match the food demand of ever-increasing world population, agriculturists have to sustain the productivity with ensuring a good balance between the exploitation and use of ecosystems services on the face of worsening environmental stress factors and climate extremities. Agricultural sustainability implies both satisfactory yields that can be maintained and agricultural practices that have acceptable environmental impacts. Plant-specific microorganisms play an indisputable role in supporting plant health and adaptation to stressful environmental conditions. Depending on the application types, microbial products increase plant development and/or enhance soil health and reduce plant stress. Many bioinoculants such as plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria and mycorrhizal fungi have been proven as reliable and most promising agents for supporting plant growth and controlling phytopathogen without causing environmental damages even under stress conditions.