With climate change, the frequency of regions experiencing water scarcity is increasing annually, posing a significant challenge to crop yield. Barley, a staple crop consumed and cultivated globally, is particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of drought stress, leading to reduced yield production. Water scarcity adversely affects multiple aspects of barley growth, including seed germination, biomass production, shoot and root characteristics, water and osmotic status, photosynthesis, and induces oxidat…

ABSTRACT Soil‐borne plant pathogens are the most damaging pathogens responsible for severe crop damage. A conventional chemotherapy approach to these pathogens has numerous environmental issues, while biological control agents (BCAs) are less promising under field conditions. There is an immediate need to develop an integrated strategy for utilizing nanoparticles and biocontrol to manage soil‐borne pathogens, such as Fusarium wilt, effectively. Simulation of BCA metabolites to nanoparticle biocontrol metabolites i…

Introduction Salt stress is a major global issue that negatively affects plant growth and physiological processes. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to alleviate salt stress and promote plant growth. This study aimed to isolate and characterize salt-tolerant PGPR from salinity-affected soils in Tamil Nadu, India, and assess their potential to enhance growth and salt tolerance in sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.). Methods Salt-tolerant PGPR were isolated and screened for plant growth-promoting traits…

Mineral–microbe interaction is a driving environmental changes, regulating the biogeochemical cycling of elements, and contributing to the formation of ore deposits. Microorganisms are fundamental to mineral transformation processes, exerting a profound influence on biogeochemical cycles and the bioavailability of critical nutrients required for plant growth. In this review, we delve into the various mechanisms by which microbes facilitate mineral dissolution, precipitation, and transformation, with a particular f…

Introduction Salinity is a significant abiotic stress that affects the growth, physiology, and yield of crop plants across the globe. Sustainable measures to mitigate saline soil and prevent yield losses require immediate attention. The present study aimed to determine the impacts of hydrogel, biochar, and biofertilizer on alfalfa growth and physiological properties under salt stress. Methods The experiment was performed in a randomized block design with three replications on the dried bottom of the Aral Sea, cons…