Interaction of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria with Sugarcane Plants for Alleviating Abiotic Stresses and Improving Crop Yields

Abstract

AbstractAbiotic stresses are a severe threat to crop productivity as well as the quality of crop produces. When the sugarcane plant is challenged with abiotic stresses, plant physiological and biochemical processes are adversely affected. Affected plant processes result in reduced crop growth and yield. Sugarcane takes a long duration to mature and harvest, and it is huge biomass generating crop. The sugarcane crop has different growth phases but tillering and formative stages are most sensitive to the abiotic stresses. Abiotic stresses are drought, salinity, soil-contaminated with heavy metals, scarce minerals in the soil, waterlogging/flooding, improper temperature and light, low oxygen and ozone, etc. It is well known that plant roots play an important role in the absorption of water and minerals from the soil, and roots are badly affected under abiotic stress conditions. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are potential abiotic stress managers. Application of PGPRs is environmentally friendly, low cost, and viable approach and being used worldwide. Plant growth-promoting bacteria for alleviating abiotic stresses produce exopolysaccharide, ACC deaminase enzymes, antioxidants/osmolytes, volatile compounds, etc. Some PGPRs like Azospirillum spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Bacillus spp. are identified as tolerant to drought and salinity. Some PGPRs are reported for metals detoxification and absorption. Interactions of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria with sugarcane plants play an important role in adaptation, maintenance, and survival under abiotic stresses.KeywordsAbiotic stressDroughtHeavy metalsPGPRAlleviationSalinitySugarcane