Potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria to improve crop productivity and adaptation to a changing climate

Abstract

Abiotic and biotic stresses negatively affect the growth and yield of crops worldwide. It is estimated that abiotic and biotic stresses account for global food crop losses of 50% and 30%, respectively. With the rapidly growing world population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the issue of food security is becoming a global concern. Climate change, which has its roots in industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural activities, further exacerbates food crop losses. Various innovative agricultural technologies, such as stress-tolerant varieties, smart irrigation systems, and shifting cropping calendars, have been used to both increase crop productivity and mitigate the effects of various stresses, but most of these strategies are time-intensive and costly. Therefore, strategies that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly, as well as economical, are required to face the challenge of providing the world’s human population with adequate food. In this context, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have the potential to increase crop productivity by mitigating the effects of various abiotic and biotic stresses associated with climate change. This approach can also improve the sustainability of agroecosystems by reducing the use of unsustainable agrochemicals, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. This review presents current information on how PGPR can mitigate the impacts of abiotic and biotic stresses, associated with climate change, food security, as well as the mechanisms underlying PGPR-induced tolerance to these stresses.