Harnessing Beneficial Microbiota in Sustainable Agriculture
A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Microbe Interactions".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2024 | Viewed by 2082
Special Issue Editors
Interests: plant–soil microbial interactions; microbial ecology; plant ecology; mycorrhiza
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: plant pathology; soilborne pathogens; botany; ecology; microbiology; soil organic matter dynamics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
In the face of a rapidly changing climate and the need for sustainable agriculture, harnessing beneficial microbiota has emerged as a promising approach for plant disease management. This strategy leverages the power of naturally occurring microorganisms to protect plants from diseases, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides. Beneficial microbiota, including bacteria and fungi, inhabit the rhizosphere and phyllosphere of plants, forming intricate relationships that can enhance the plant's resilience against harmful microbes. They function by competing with pathogens for resources, secreting antimicrobial compounds, and activating the plant's own defense mechanisms. As climate change leads to more unpredictable and severe weather patterns, the ability of plants to fend off diseases becomes increasingly important. Recent research has uncovered exciting possibilities for harnessing microbiota, including the development of biopesticides and probiotics for plants. These solutions not only provide effective disease management but also have the potential to improve crop yields and overall agricultural sustainability. However, challenges such as the complexity of microbial communities and their interactions with plants must be addressed. In a changing climate, the smart utilization of beneficial microbiota offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to plant disease management, contributing to global food security while reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
Reviews, original research, and communications are all welcome to contribute to this Special Issue.
Dr. Mohamed Idbella
Prof. Dr. Giuliano Bonanomi
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- disease suppression
- soilborne pathogens
- beneficial microbiota
- next-generation sequencing
- climate change
- soil health
- sustainable agriculture
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