Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria found in the rhizosphere, the root zone of plants, where they play a critical role in enhancing plant growth and resilience. PGPR assist plants by producing hormones like auxins and gibberellins, which stimulate root and shoot development, and by fixing nitrogen, making it more available to plants. These bacteria can also solubilize essential nutrients such as phosphorus, aiding plant uptake and growth. Additionally, PGPR can protect plants from diseases by competing with harmful microbes and producing natural antibiotics. In agriculture, PGPR offer a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting healthier crops with minimal environmental impact. By improving soil health and helping plants adapt to stress conditions like drought or salinity, PGPR support both agricultural productivity and ecological stability, making them a valuable resource in sustainable farming practice.
Title : Preventing/minimizing development of resistance in fungal plant pathogens to fungicides
Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois, United States
Title : Mycorrhizae and their role in climate resilience in agricultural systems
Mary Cole, The University of Melbourne, Australia