Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, synthetic chemicals have been increasingly used in agriculture to maximize crop yields. This strategy has led to agrochemical poisoning of the soil, with negative impacts on the planet’s health. The soil system is a nonrenewable resource and, therefore, the development of sustainable alternatives are urgently needed to avoid further worsening of this imbalance and to preserve this delicate system responsible for survival of the planet and its inhabitants.

Several microbial formulations can be utilized in sustainable agriculture to reduce or avoid the use of agrochemicals whilst safeguarding soil biodiversity and planet health. Microbes associated with plants provide advantages to their hosts by promoting their growth and development. The mechanisms by which they perform this positive action can be direct (e.g., nitrogen fixation, abiotic stress tolerance, nutrient solubilization) or indirect (e.g., antagonistic molecule production).

This Special Issue is focused on the different aspects of plant–microbe interactions and on their impact on productive landscapes. We welcome research articles, reviews, communications, and concept papers that address any aspect of plant–microbe interactions—from isolation and formulation of microbial biostimulants and biocontrol agents to utilization effects on plant hosts and soil biodiversity.

Prof. Maddalena Del Gallo
Dr. Marika Pellegrini
Guest Editors

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• plant growth-promoting microorganisms
• biocontrol
• sustainable agriculture