Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Challenges faced by plant growth-promoting bacteria in field-level applications and suggestions to overcome the barriers

Amzad Hossain, Md. Summon Hossain, Mahmuda Akter

Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology · 2023

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Summary

This 2023 review examines the gap between laboratory-demonstrated benefits of plant growth-promoting bacteria and their inconsistent performance in field conditions. The authors synthesise evidence on barriers to PGPB efficacy—including soil environmental stress, microbial competition, formulation stability, and farmer adoption challenges—and propose practical mitigation strategies. The paper contributes to understanding how microbial inoculants can be optimised for real-world agricultural deployment.

UK applicability

The findings are likely relevant to UK farming systems seeking to reduce synthetic inputs through biological amendments; however, soil temperature, moisture variability, and clay-heavy soils in many UK regions may present distinct PGPB application challenges requiring region-specific validation.

Key measures

Qualitative assessment of PGPB field application barriers; proposed solutions and best-practice recommendations

Outcomes reported

The study identifies practical constraints limiting the effectiveness of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) at farm scale and proposes evidence-based strategies to enhance their field performance and adoption.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil biology & microbiology
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Laboratory / in vitro
DOI
10.1016/j.pmpp.2023.102029
Catalogue ID
SNmok3j2ks-rrx0s8

Topic tags

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