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Improving Growth, Physiological, Anatomical, and Molecular Characteristics of Plants Using Biological Treatments Under Biotic Stressors

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Plants are exposed to various biotic stressors, such as plant pathogens, weeds, and insects, that threaten crop yield. Fungal and bacterial diseases are among the most harmful pathogens, negatively affecting plant growth and development, and resulting in numerous changes in morphophysiological, anatomical, and molecular characteristics. Additionally, insects are a detrimental biotic stress that negatively impacts yield. Morphological characters, such as plant height and leaf area, were significantly reduced under infestations by weeds, pathogens, and insects. Similarly, physiological parameters, including chlorophyll, relative water content, the antioxidative system, and electrolyte leakage, were negatively affected in infected plants. These harmful effects are associated with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These effects can be mitigated with biological treatments, which are a fundamental approach for improving growth characteristics and yield in infected plants while increasing antioxidant defence and ROS scavenging. The application of plant extracts and bioagents improved plant tolerance to specific pathogens. Bioagents, such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and some fungi, can play a significant role in enhancing water and nutrient uptake and in regulating hormonal balance in plants under pathogen stress. These treatments improved the anatomical characteristics of infected plants with fungi and bacteria. This review highlights the use of bioagents and biological treatments as eco-friendly strategies to address multiple biotic stresses, particularly plant pathogens, insects, and weeds. The review also discusses the role of these biological treatments for improving morpho-physiological and anatomical characters and enhancing the antioxidant system.
DOI: 10.15835/nbha54315271
Authors: Sondos A. Alhajouj, Thikrayat S. Almuqrin, Haifa A. S. Alhaithloul, Nadi Awad Al-Harbi, Rasha F. El-flaah, Nada A. El-Morsy, Mostafa Abdelkader, Yaser Hafez, Khaled Abdelaal
Institutions: Jouf University, Northern Border University, University of Tabuk, Al-Azhar University, Al-Azhar University, Al Azhar University, Kafrelsheikh University, Sohag University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $539
OpenAlex ID: W7214968356
FWCI:
Cites: 194
Cited by:
Related to: 10