Summary
This narrative review examines the complementary mechanisms by which mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting bacteria interact in the rhizosphere to enhance plant growth and stress resilience across agroecosystems. The authors synthesise evidence for nutrient bioavailability improvements, phytohormone regulation, and biocontrol pathways, arguing that bioinoculant development leveraging these synergies represents a promising pathway for sustainable intensification and climate adaptation in food production.
Regional applicability
The mechanistic findings are broadly applicable to UK temperate agriculture, particularly for improving nutrient use efficiency and disease suppression in cereals, horticulture, and grassland systems. Implementation would require field validation under UK soil and climatic conditions, and integration with existing agronomic practice and regulatory frameworks for bioinoculant approval.
Key measures
Mechanisms of nutrient uptake, ethylene levels, pathogen suppression, plant growth, and stress tolerance outcomes; evidence for synergistic vs. additive microbial effects
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises mechanisms by which mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting bacteria ameliorate plant growth under normal and stress conditions, including nutrient uptake improvement, ethylene reduction, and pathogen biocontrol. The paper evaluates evidence for additive and synergistic effects of these microbial consortia on plant health and production.
Topic tags
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