The Role of Microbes in Mitigating Salinity Stress: Insights and Implications for Sustainable Agriculture

SalinitySalinity stress is a foremost challenge to crop productivity and threatens sustainable agricultureSustainable agriculture. However, recent research has demonstrated the potential of microbes to improve salinitySalinity stress in plants. In this chapter, we includedthe current understanding of microbe-plant interactions by which beneficial microbes can induced the plant growthPlant growth and stress tolerance under salinitySalinity stress. Microbes can produce siderophores, phytohormonesPhytohormones, and exopolysaccharides, which improve iron uptake, stimulate plant growthPlant growth, and enhance soil structure, respectively. Additionally, microbes can modulate gene expression, regulate ion channels, and produce osmoprotectantsOsmoprotectants (OPs), which help plants cope with salt stress. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteriaRhizobacteria (PGPRsPlant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)) are an important group of beneficial microflorae that have been documented to augment plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance. Their use in agriculture has the scope to increase crop yields and promote sustainable agricultureSustainable agriculture. Uses of beneficial microbiome in agriculture represents a promising approach for mitigating the negative effects of salinitySalinity stress on crop productivity and for promoting sustainable agricultureSustainable agriculture. This chapter provides understandings into the potential implications of microbe-plant interactions for the development of sustainable agricultural practices.