Perspectives and Challenges of Microbial Application for Crop Improvement

Dear Colleagues,

Many specific microbial strains from several taxonomic groups have been demonstrated to have a beneficial impact on the growth, yield and quality of crops and hence could be used as tools in commercial agriculture to minimise the use of synthetic chemicals (e.g., pesticides and fertilisers) and, hence, their potential negative impact on the general environment. However, despite the intensive research effort and identification of many candidate microbial strains, there is only a limited number of commercial products for use in practice. Even for these commercial products, their use is frequently hampered by their often-variable efficacies, particularly for field applications. The  current status of biocontrol research and biostimulants in relation to limited success in product development can be attributable to a number of factors: i) a limited understanding of the complex interrelationships that exist between these microorganisms, the plants and the environment; ii) inadequate implementation of manufacturing and formulation processes; iii) product application in practice without adequate consideration of microbial ecology under changing conditions; and iv) lack of a science-based regulatory framework in product approval.

In view of the current worldwide policies and concepts fostering sustainable agriculture with minimal input of synthetic compounds, a full exploitation of microbial-based products requires that researchers address the abovementioned challenges with a multidisciplinary and holistic approach.

This Special Issue aims at highlighting the several facets in developing microbial-based products and optimisation of their applications in practice to maximise their impact on crop nutrition and protection from pests and diseases. In addition to research on biological mechanisms and product development, a key aspect for commercial uptake of these products is how they could be effectively integrated with other standard practices (e.g., irrigation). Similarly, is there synergy in using multiple products simultaneously or over time? If so, what is the biological basis for such observed synergy? We welcome standard research and perspective papers as well as critical reviews on these topics.

Dr. Eligio Malusa
Prof. Dr. Xiangming Xu
Prof. Dr. Ivana Maksimović
Guest Editors

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• biofertiliser
• biopesticide
• bioinoculant formulation
• endophyte
• field application
• plant–microorganism–soil relationship