Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms in Crop Nutrition and Production

Dear Colleagues, 

Global agricultural systems face the challenge of meeting the nutritional demands of a growing population while maintaining environmental sustainability. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), including rhizobacteria, endophytes, and mycorrhizal fungi, have emerged as promising biological tools for enhancing crop nutrition and productivity through diverse mechanisms such as nutrient mobilization, phytohormone production, and stress tolerance induction. Recent advances in microbiome research and omics technologies have revolutionized our understanding of plant–microbe interactions, revealing the complex networks governing these beneficial associations. However, translating fundamental discoveries into practical agricultural applications remains a critical challenge, necessitating interdisciplinary approaches that bridge molecular mechanisms with field-level implementation. 

This Special Issue aims to compile cutting-edge research on the applications of PGPM in sustainable crop production, encompassing mechanistic insights, technological innovations, and practical implementations. We welcome contributions that advance our understanding of microbial ecology in agricultural systems, develop novel biofertilizer formulations, and evaluate the efficacy of PGPM under diverse environmental conditions. The Special Issue aligns with the scope of Plants by addressing critical aspects of plant biology, crop physiology, and sustainable agriculture, providing a platform for researchers to share innovative solutions for enhancing crop nutrition and productivity through microbiological approaches. 

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following: mechanisms of nutrient acquisition and mobilization by PGPM; development and formulation of microbial biofertilizers; plant–microbe–soil interactions in the rhizosphere; omics approaches for understanding the functions of PGPM; microbial enhancement of crop stress tolerance; biocontrol mechanisms integrated with plant nutrition; microbiome engineering for sustainable agriculture; field evaluations and practical applications of PGPM; regulatory and commercialization aspects of biofertilizers; and climate-smart agriculture through microbial interventions.

Dr. Yunpeng Gai
Dr. Hong-Kai Wang
Dr. Jianzhao Qi
Guest Editors

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