Open AccessPurple non‐sulphur bacteria and plant production: benefits for fertilization, stress resistance and the environment
Author(s) -
Sakarika Myrsini,
Spanoghe Janne,
Sui Yixing,
Wambacq Eva,
Grunert Oliver,
Haesaert Geert,
Spiller Marc,
Vlaeminck Siegfried E.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
microbial biotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.287
H-Index - 74
ISSN - 1751-7915
DOI - 10.1111/1751-7915.13474
Subject(s) - abiotic stress , abiotic component , biomass (ecology) , production (economics) , microbiology and biotechnology , environmental science , phototroph , biochemical engineering , biology , agronomy , photosynthesis , ecology , engineering , botany , gene , biochemistry , macroeconomics , economics
Summary Purple non‐sulphur bacteria ( PNSB ) are phototrophic microorganisms, which increasingly gain attention in plant production due to their ability to produce and accumulate high‐value compounds that are beneficial for plant growth. Remarkable features of PNSB include the accumulation of polyphosphate, the production of pigments and vitamins and the production of plant growth‐promoting substances ( PGPS s). Scattered case studies on the application of PNSB for plant cultivation have been reported for decades, yet a comprehensive overview is lacking. This review highlights the potential of using PNSB in plant production, with emphasis on three key performance indicators ( KPI s): fertilization, resistance to stress (biotic and abiotic) and environmental benefits. PNSB have the potential to enhance plant growth performance, increase the yield and quality of edible plant biomass, boost the resistance to environmental stresses, bioremediate heavy metals and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Here, the mechanisms responsible for these attributes are discussed. A distinction is made between the use of living and dead PNSB cells, where critical interpretation of existing literature revealed the better performance of living cells. Finally, this review presents research gaps that remain yet to be elucidated and proposes a roadmap for future research and implementation paving the way for a more sustainable crop production.