Plant-Microbial Interactions for Sustainable Agriculture

Hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition are major challenges in many parts of the world. Soil degradation and increased water stress worldwide are the major obstacle in the way of the resilient agri–food system. It has been estimated that, across the globe, over 800 Mha of land is affected by salts which include both salinity and alkalinity. Under stress conditions, soil, plant and microorganisms form a unique mutualistic relationship in and around the rhizosphere. Soil microorganisms inhabiting the rhizosphere, called Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), possesses the potential to enhance plant growth through several mechanisms and also alleviate the effect of abiotic stresses on plants. Hence, this book aims to bring out a comprehensive collection of scientific research which includes the functions of the rhizosphere to harness plant–microbe interactions and PGPR for abiotic stress mitigation and enhancing crop performance.