The Importance of Microbial Inoculants in a Climate-Changing Agriculture in Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

Climate change has gained importance due to its severe consequences for many aspects of life. Increasing temperature, drought and greenhouse gases affect directly or indirectly the productivity of agricultural and natural ecosystems as well as human health. The nutrient supply capacity of the soil is diminishing, while food requirements for the growing population are increasing. The ongoing application of agrochemicals results in adverse effects on ecosystem functioning and food chain. Now, more than ever, there is a need to mitigate the effects of agricultural activities on climate change using environmentally friendly techniques. The role of plant beneficial microorganisms on this global challenge is increasingly being explored, and there is strong evidence that could be important. The use of functional microbial guilds forms an alternative or even a supplementary approach to common agricultural practices, due to their ability to act as biofertilizers and promote plant growth. Application of microbial inocula has a significantly lower impact on the environment compared to chemical inputs, while the agricultural sector will financially benefit, and consumers will have access to quality products. Microbial inoculants could play an important role in agricultural stress management and ameliorate the negative impacts of climate change. This short review highlights the role of microbes in benefiting agricultural practices against climate-changing conditions. In particular, the main microbial plant growth-promoting functional traits that are related to climate change are presented and discussed. The importance of microbial inoculants’ multifunctionality is debated, while future needs and challenges are also highlighted.

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on photosynthetic characteristics of cotton seedlings under saline-alkali stress

“…This phenomenon is attributed to the presence of proline in cells, which facilitates chlorophyll synthesis. Low levels of saline-alkali stress promote proline accumulation in cells, thereby stimulating chlorophyll production 19 . www.nature.com/scientificreports/ Furthermore, this study observed a significant increase in the net photosynthetic rate of cotton leaves following inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus irregularis.…”

Unveiling the Roles of Microorganisms in Promoting Environmental Sustainability

“…They can sequester greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) from the atmosphere, thus reducing their concentration and mitigating global warming (Kang, 2021). Microorganisms can be harnessed to develop biostimulants and micro/Nano-based formulations that can protect plants against abiotic stresses caused by climate change, such as drought, flooding, and salinity (Athanasia et al, 2020).…”

A Comparative Analysis of Microbe-Based Technologies Developed at ICAR-NBAIM Against Erysiphe necator Causing Powdery Mildew Disease in Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)

“…The disease can be devastating to susceptible varieties under conducive environmental conditions covering the entire above-ground parts of the plants. The release of ascospores is always associated with high humidity, and therefore, frequent rain is a key factor for the release of ascospores, which are, in fact, the primary inocula (Jones et al, 2014 ; Sawant et al, 2017 ; Kavadia et al, 2020 ). Grapevine diseases can have drastic ill effects not only on the host plants and berries but also on the wine qualities and their sensorial and organoleptic properties (Stummer et al, 2003a , b ; Pinar et al, 2017a , b ), resulting in economic losses for the grape growers and wine producers (van Helden, 2008 ).…”