Abiotic stress tolerance in horticultural crops by phyto-beneficial microbial inoculants: a review

Abstract

Many agricultural crops at global level are exposed to numerous abiotic stresses such as extremely high or low temperature, salinity, drought, acidic soils, and metal toxicity. Depending on the type of crop, such abiotic stresses result in yield losses in tune of 50 to 82%. It is widely recognized that microbes perform crucial roles in biogeochemical cycling; the impact of microbes on plant productivity and diversity is still need to understand. The role of microbial inoculants in plant growth promotion, nutrient management and disease control is very well studied. These beneficial microorganisms colonize the rhizosphere /endorhizosphere of plants and promote growth of the plants through various direct and indirect mechanisms. Microorganisms could play a significant role in this respect; if suitably exploit their unique properties of tolerance to extremities. It is therefore, very essential to explore the soil microbial diversity and the various modes of actions involved in direct and indirect plant growth promotion and develop consortium of two or more phyto-beneficial microbes to attain maximum benefits from microbial inoculation. The present review article provides concise updated information on Phyto-beneficial microbial inoculants in food production system especially horticultural crops.