Interaction of Zinc Mineral Nutrition and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria in Tropical Agricultural Systems: A Review

Abstract

The relationship between zinc mineral nutrition and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is pivotal in enhancing agricultural productivity, especially in tropical regions characterized by diverse climatic conditions and soil variability. This review synthesizes and critically evaluates current knowledge regarding the synergistic interaction between zinc mineral nutrition and PGPB in tropical agricultural systems. Zinc is an essential and fundamental micronutrient for various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Its deficiency affects plant growth and development, decreasing yields and nutritional quality. In tropical regions, where soil zinc availability is often limited or imbalanced, the PGPB, through different mechanisms such as Zn solubilization; siderophore production; and phytohormone synthesis, supports Zn uptake and assimilation, thereby facilitating the adverse effects of zinc deficiency in plants. This review outlines the impacts of Zn–PGPB interactions on plant growth, root architecture, and productivity in tropical agricultural systems. The positive relationship between PGPB and plants facilitates Zn uptake and improves nutrient use efficiency, overall crop performance, and agronomic biofortification. In addition, this review highlights the importance of considering indigenous PGPB strains for specific tropical agroecosystems, acknowledging their adaptability to local conditions and their potential in sustainable agricultural practices. It is concluded that Zn fertilizer and PGPBs have synergistic interactions and can offer promising avenues for sustainable agriculture, addressing nutritional deficiencies, improving crop resilience, and ensuring food security.

Omics approaches in understanding the benefits of plant-microbe interactions

“…With global food production losses estimated at 352 million tons by 2070 owing to population growth (Sartori et al, 2024 ), there is an urgent need to accelerate food production over the next 30 years (Kimotho and Maina, 2024 ). Although crop improvement programs are underway, insufficient attention has been paid to modern techniques and balanced fertilization, leading to nutritional insecurity in staple crops (Jalal et al, 2024 ). The World Health Organization underscores the importance of food safety and urging measures to prevent foodborne diseases across various stages of food processing, production, storage, transportation, and consumption (Su et al, 2024 ).…”