Rhizobium engineering for plant stress amelioration, reclaiming soil fertility for sustainable agro ecological system
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The world's population is increasing which threatens food security and requires increased food production. Most of the world's agricultural countries also do not have the best agricultural practices, causing food shortages. These include soil health and crop problems, as well as an increase in insects. Thus, expansion of agriculture requires a more sustainable strategy in terms of ecology and economy. It has long been known that Rhizobium bacteria play an important role in agriculture by coexisting with legumes to improve soil fertility and improve nitrogen fixation. With the world facing more and more pressing issues including soil erosion, climate change, and rising food consumption, genetic engineering of Rhizobium presents a possible way forward for sustainable farming methods. We investigate the molecular processes underlying the changes Rhizobium-mediated stress tolerance makes to several environmental stressors, including salinity, drought, and nutrient shortage. We also go into cutting-edge synthetic biology and genetic techniques that improve the symbiotic relationships and nitrogen fixation efficiency of Rhizobium strains with host plants. The effectiveness of modified Rhizobium strains in raising agricultural yields, boosting soil health, and lowering reliance on chemical fertilizers all of which contribute to environmental sustainability is demonstrated by case studies and experimental data. Critical evaluation is given to the difficulties in implementing genetically modified Rhizobium in agricultural environments, as well as to regulatory issues and ecological effects. In order to ensure global food security in the face of environmental and socio-economic changes, we conclude by presenting future research opportunities and strategic measures for the introduction of Rhizobium engineering into integrated agriculture.
Source: Environment Conservation Journal
Institution: Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $225
OpenAlex ID: W7082445993