Unlocking the potential of biocrust microorganisms in agriculture: cyanobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria with plant growth-promoting properties.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Drylands are subject to multiple overlapping stresses, including high temperatures, drought, and salinity, along with soils that are low in organic matter and nitrogen. Hence, both agricultural practices and natural regeneration in these areas are hindered by poor plant establishment and growth. The use of plant growth-promoting (PGP) microorganisms has recently emerged as a promising strategy to enhance plant performance under these harsh conditions.

Methods

In this context, the aim of this work was to isolate and screen the PGP properties of cyanobacteria and heterotrophic bacteria from biocrusts in arid soils, representing a highly unexplored niche of microorganisms with potential application in agriculture and ecological restoration. We determined key PGP tr

SUBMITTER: Pagli C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12506096 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature