Rhizospheric Engineering for Sustainable Production of Horticultural Crops

Abstract

AbstractRhizosphere- and root-associated bacteria are vital components of plant microbiomes and affect the physiology and development of plants. For sustainable production of horticultural crops, it is essential to know about the diversity of the microbes associated with such crops and how the soil factors affect the microbiome. To improve the health and productivity of horticultural crops, various techniques for manipulating plants and their root-associated microorganisms have been studied so far. Some approaches are focused on understanding interactions between roots, microbes and soil, while others are focused on plant mechanisms that affect development. Plants, for example, can be modified to change the rhizosphere’s pH or release substances that boost food availability, defend against biotic and abiotic stresses, or promote the production of beneficial microbes. Novel molecular techniques and significant biotechnological advancements will help gain a better understanding of the complex chemical and biological interactions that occur in the rhizosphere, ensuring that rhizosphere engineering approaches are both safe and helpful in enhancing the productivity and quality of horticultural crops. This chapter provides an insight into various rhizospheric microbes associated with horticultural crops and their manipulation for sustainable crop production.KeywordsRhizosphereRhizospheric engineeringHorticultural cropsPGPRMicrobial interactions