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Plants
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Soil-Beneficial Microorganisms and Plant Growth
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Soil-Beneficial Microorganisms and Plant Growth

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2024) | Viewed by 5892

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mohamed Anli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Life, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Comoros, Patsy University Center, Moroni, Comoros
2. Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnology and Valorization of Plant Bioresources (AGROBIOVAL), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University (CAU), Marrakesh, Morocco
Interests: organic and biological fertilizers; plants stress tolerance; biotic and abiotic stresses; plant growth promoting microorgnisms (PGPM); arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; bacteria of soils
Dr. Raja Ben-Laouane

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Laboratory of Environment and Health, Department of Biology, Moulay Ismail Uneversity, Faculty of Sciences & Techniques, 52000 Errachidia, Morocco, Morocco
2. Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Plant Physiology and Biotechnology Team, Cadi Ayyad University (UCA), Marrakesh, Morocco
Interests: biotic and abiotic stresses; plant primary and secondary metabolites; plant stress response; plant metabolomics; biologically active plant metabolites; phytochemical composition of plant metabolite; biotechnological production of plant metabolites; biofertilzers/biostimulants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Abderrahim Boutasknit

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies & Valorization of Plant Bioresources (AGROBIOVAL), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University (UCA), Marrakesh, Morocco
Interests: organic amendments; plant physiology; environmental stresses; plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF); arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; compost process and preparation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A Special Issue entitled “Soil-Beneficial Microorganisms and Plant Growth” will be published in Plants. Beneficial microorganisms (BMS) and their potential positive impacts have garnered widespread interest in the agricultural sector. Indeed, BMs play a significant role in plant growth, development and protection. Nevertheless, and with regard to the agro-biological approach, it is of utmost importance to emphasize that BMs are not plant-growth stimulators, but they also have the capacity to protect plants and soils against environmental stresses such as diseases, drought, salinity and soil poverty. In recent decades, the importance of BMs as natural biostimulants/biofertilizers has been evaluated, which also highlighted their potential in plant growth and soil fertilization. On the other hand, given the high global food demand, the use of BMs is a major asset for sustainable development in agriculture. The current developments and difficulties in developing novel beneficial microorganism formulations for growth promotion and plant protection are addressed in this study topic. Original research articles, reviews, and methodologies are welcome contributions.

Dr. Mohamed Anli
Dr. Raja Ben-Laouane
Dr. Abderrahim Boutasknit
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • plant growth promoting microorganisms
  • plant physiology
  • biostimulants/biofertilizers
  • crop production
  • crop protection
  • soil-beneficial microorganisms
  • organic agriculture
  • climate change
  • environmental stresses

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 2908 KiB  
Article
Network of Soil Fungi and the Microfauna Community under Diverse Anthropic Disturbances under Chrysopogon zizanioides Planting in the Reservoir
by Xiaoyue Lin, Xuemei Han, Jiading Yang, Fengyu Liu, Yuying Li and Zhaojin Chen
Plants 2024, 13(3), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030393 - 29 Jan 2024
Viewed by 641
Abstract
The reservoir coastal zone is the transitional zone between the terrestrial ecosystem and the aquatic ecosystem. Soil is an essential part of the terrestrial ecosystem and vital for life on Earth. To understand the composition and diversity of the soil eukaryotic microbial community [...] Read more.
The reservoir coastal zone is the transitional zone between the terrestrial ecosystem and the aquatic ecosystem. Soil is an essential part of the terrestrial ecosystem and vital for life on Earth. To understand the composition and diversity of the soil eukaryotic microbial community under the background of artificial planting of Chrysopogon zizanioides in various habitats after reservoir construction, including the original habitat (OH), the hydro-fluctuation belt (HB), and the road slope (RS), and to analyze the interaction between the main groups of eukaryotic microorganisms, this study conducted 18S rDNA amplification high-throughput sequencing of the soil eukaryotic microbial community. The study found that the dominant phylum of eukaryotic microorganisms in the three habitats was consistent, but there were significant differences in the community and diversity of eukaryotic microorganisms in the three habitats. The differences in fungal communities between sample sites were greater than those of soil microfauna. Correlation analysis showed that nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter were significantly correlated with eukaryotic microbial diversity, with alkaline-hydrolyzed nitrogen and total phosphorus significantly correlated with fungal communities and pH and water content correlated with soil microfauna. Co-occurrence network analysis found that the interactions between fungi and the correlation between fungi and soil microfauna dominated the eukaryotic microbial community, and the interactions between eukaryotic microbes in different habitats were dominated by positive correlations. After the construction of the reservoir, the newly formed hydro-fluctuation belt reduced the types of interrelationships between fungi and microfauna compared to the original habitat. The road slope provided protection of the supporting project for the reservoir construction, although there was also planted vegetation. Eukaryotic microbes declined significantly due to the damage to and loss of the organic layer, and the decline in microfauna was the most significant, resulting in a simple structure of the soil food web, which affects the function and stability of the soil ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Beneficial Microorganisms and Plant Growth)
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14 pages, 2647 KiB  
Article
Ferrous Sulfate-Mediated Control of Phytophthora capsici Pathogenesis and Its Impact on Pepper Plant
by Gongfu Du, Huang He, Jiali Peng, Xiaoliang Li, Zhaohua Liu, Weixia Liu, Yan Yang and Zhiqiang Qi
Plants 2023, 12(24), 4168; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12244168 - 15 Dec 2023
Viewed by 734
Abstract
Phytophthora capsici, a destructive fungal pathogen, poses a severe threat to pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) crops worldwide, causing blights that can result in substantial yield losses. Traditional control methods often come with environmental concerns or entail substantial time investments. In this [...] Read more.
Phytophthora capsici, a destructive fungal pathogen, poses a severe threat to pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) crops worldwide, causing blights that can result in substantial yield losses. Traditional control methods often come with environmental concerns or entail substantial time investments. In this research, we investigate an alternative approach involving ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) application to combat P. capsici and promote pepper growth. We found that FeSO4 effectively inhibits the growth of P. capsici in a dose-dependent manner, disrupting mycelial development and diminishing pathogenicity. Importantly, FeSO4 treatment enhances the biomass and resistance of pepper plants, mitigating P. capsici-induced damage. Microbiome analysis demonstrates that FeSO4 significantly influences soil microbial communities, particularly fungi, within the pepper root. Metabolomics data reveal extensive alterations in the redox metabolic processes of P. capsici under FeSO4 treatment, leading to compromised cell membrane permeability and oxidative stress in the pathogen. Our study presents FeSO4 as a promising and cost-effective solution for controlling P. capsici in pepper cultivation while simultaneously promoting plant growth. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate interactions between iron, pathogen control, and plant health, offering a potential tool for sustainable pepper production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Beneficial Microorganisms and Plant Growth)
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21 pages, 3052 KiB  
Article
Responses of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) to Single and Consortium Bio-Fertilizers in Clay and Newly Reclaimed Soils
by Ghada Abd-Elmonsef Mahmoud, Amany H. A. Abeed, Hassan H. A. Mostafa and Omaima Abdel Monsef
Plants 2023, 12(23), 3931; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12233931 - 22 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1098
Abstract
The huge development of climatic change highly affects our crop production and soil fertility. Also, the rise in the uncontrolled, excessive use of chemical fertilizers diminishes the soil prosperity and generates pollutants, threatening all environmental life forms, including us. Replacement of these chemical [...] Read more.
The huge development of climatic change highly affects our crop production and soil fertility. Also, the rise in the uncontrolled, excessive use of chemical fertilizers diminishes the soil prosperity and generates pollutants, threatening all environmental life forms, including us. Replacement of these chemical fertilizers with natural ones is becoming an inevitable environmental strategy. In our study, we evaluated the responses of Pisum sativum L. to the action of single species and consortiums of plant growth-promoting bacteria (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus cerkularice) in clay and new reclaimed soil types in terms of phenotype, yield components, and physiological and biochemical responses. Data analysis showed single or consortium microbial inoculation significantly increased the measured traits under clay and calcareous sandy soils compared to the control. Shoot physiological and biochemical activities, and seed biochemical activities were significantly enhanced with the inoculation of pea seeds with three types of bacteria in both soil types. The bud numbers, fresh weight, and seeds’ dry weight increased in seeds treated with A. chroococcum and B. megaterium in the sandy soil. Taken together, these findings suggested that the inoculation of plants with PGP bacteria could be used to diminish the implementation of chemical fertilizer and improve the goodness of agricultural products. These findings expand the understanding of the responsive mechanism of microbial inoculation under different soil types, especially at physiological and biochemical levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Beneficial Microorganisms and Plant Growth)
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19 pages, 2030 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Maize Productivity and Soil Health under Salt Stress through Physiological Adaptation and Metabolic Regulation Using Indigenous Biostimulants
by Redouane Ouhaddou, Abdelilah Meddich, Chayma Ikan, Rachid Lahlali, Essaid Ait Barka, Mohammad-Reza Hajirezaei, Robin Duponnois and Marouane Baslam
Plants 2023, 12(21), 3703; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12213703 - 27 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1183
Abstract
Salinity poses a persistent threat to agricultural land, continuously jeopardizing global food security. This study aimed to enhance sweet corn (SC) fitness under varying levels of salinity using indigenous biostimulants (BioS) and to assess their impacts on plant performance and soil quality. The [...] Read more.
Salinity poses a persistent threat to agricultural land, continuously jeopardizing global food security. This study aimed to enhance sweet corn (SC) fitness under varying levels of salinity using indigenous biostimulants (BioS) and to assess their impacts on plant performance and soil quality. The experiment included control (0 mM NaCl), moderate stress (MS; 50 mM NaCl), and severe stress (SS; 100 mM NaCl) conditions. Indigenous biostimulants, including compost (C), Bacillus sp., Bacillus subtilis (R), and a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (A) were applied either individually or in combination. Growth traits, physiological and biochemical parameters in maize plants, and the physico–chemical properties of their associated soils were assessed. SS negatively affected plant growth and soil quality. The RC combination significantly improved plant growth under SS, increasing aerial (238%) and root (220%) dry weights compared to controls. This treatment reduced hydrogen peroxide by 54% and increased peroxidase activity by 46% compared to controls. The indigenous biostimulants, particularly C and R, enhanced soil structure and mineral composition (K and Mg). Soil organic carbon and available phosphorus increased notably in C-treated soils. Furthermore, RC (437%) and CAR (354%) treatments exhibited a significant increase in glomalin content under SS. Indigenous biostimulants offer a promising strategy to mitigate salinity-related threats to agricultural land. They improve plant fitness, fine-tune metabolism, and reduce oxidative stress. In addition, the biostimulants improved the soil structure and mineral composition, highlighting their potential for reconstitution and sustainability in salt-affected areas. This approach holds promise for addressing salinity-related threats to global food security. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Beneficial Microorganisms and Plant Growth)
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27 pages, 2439 KiB  
Article
Compost and Phosphorus/Potassium-Solubilizing Fungus Effectively Boosted Quinoa’s Physio-Biochemical Traits, Nutrient Acquisition, Soil Microbial Community, and Yield and Quality in Normal and Calcareous Soils
by Samah M. Youssef, Ahmed Shaaban, Abdelsattar Abdelkhalik, Ahmed R. Abd El Tawwab, Laila R. Abd Al Halim, Laila A. Rabee, Khairiah Mubarak Alwutayd, Reda M. M. Ahmed, Rahaf Alwutayd and Khaulood A. Hemida
Plants 2023, 12(17), 3071; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173071 - 27 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1643
Abstract
Calcareous soil had sufficient phosphorus and potassium (PK) in different forms due to the high contents of PK-bearing minerals; however, the available PK state was reduced due to its PK-fixation capacity. Compost, coupled with high PK solubilization capacity microbes, is a sustainable solution [...] Read more.
Calcareous soil had sufficient phosphorus and potassium (PK) in different forms due to the high contents of PK-bearing minerals; however, the available PK state was reduced due to its PK-fixation capacity. Compost, coupled with high PK solubilization capacity microbes, is a sustainable solution for bioorganic fertilization of plants grown in calcareous soil. A 2-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of compost (20 t ha−1) with Aspergillus niger through soil drenching (C-AN) along with partial substitution of PK fertilization on quinoa performance in normal and calcareous soils. Treatments included PK100% (72 kg P2O5 ha−1 + 60 kg K2O ha−1 as conventional rate), PK100%+C-AN, PK75%+C-AN, PK50%+C-AN, PK25%+C-AN, and only C-AN in normal and calcareous soils. Results showed that C-AN and reduced PK fertilization (up to 75 or 50%) increased photosynthetic pigments and promoted nutrient acquisition in quinoa grown in calcareous soil. Reduced PK fertilization to 75 or 50% plus C-AN in calcareous soil increased osmoprotectants, nonenzymatic antioxidants, and DPPH scavenging activity of quinoa’s leaves compared to the PK0%+C-AN treatment. The integrative application of high PK levels and C-AN enhanced the quinoa’s seed nutritional quality (i.e., lipids, carbohydrates, mineral contents, total phenolics, total flavonoids, half maximal inhibitory concentration, and antiradical power) in calcareous soil. At reduced PK fertilization (up to 75 or 50%), application of compost with Aspergillus niger through soil drenching increased plant dry weight by 38.7 or 53.2%, hectoliter weight by 3.0 or 2.4%, seed yield by 49.1 or 39.5%, and biological yield by 43.4 or 33.6%, respectively, compared to PK0%+C-AN in calcareous soil. The highest P-solubilizing microorganism’s population was found at PK0%+C-AN in calcareous soil, while the highest Azotobacter sp. population was observed under high PK levels + C-AN in normal soil. Our study recommends that compost with Aspergillus niger as a bioorganic fertilization treatment can partially substitute PK fertilization and boost quinoa’s tolerance to salt calcareous-affected soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Beneficial Microorganisms and Plant Growth)
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