Scientific Article • Agriculture
Harnessing Beneficial Microbes for Drought Tolerance: A Review of Ecological and Agricultural Innovations
This insightful review explores how beneficial microbes can enhance plant resilience to drought, a growing global challenge threatening agricultural productivity and food security. Published in Agriculture (2024), the article by Mikiciuk et al. examines the roles of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, endophytes, actinomycetes, and cyanobacteria. These microorganisms improve drought tolerance through mechanisms like osmotic adjustment, enhanced root growth, phytohormone modulation, antioxidant defense activation, and stress-responsive gene regulation. Highlighting ecological and agricultural innovations, the review underscores their potential to bolster sustainable farming systems amid intensifying climate change.