Pseudomonas fluorescens: An Influencer for Food Crop Biofortification by Siderophore-Mediated Iron Acquisition
摘要
Iron is one of the essential micronutrients imperatives for normal growth and development of plants and humans. Iron (Fe) deficiency is one of the major causes of death and diseases, especially in developing countries. A report submitted by the World health Organization (WHO) reveals that approximately one-fourth of the world’s population suffers from anemia because of Fe deficiency. The process of enhancement of iron concentration in edible parts of the food crops by the means of agronomic intervention, plant breeding or genetic selection is known as biofortification. Biofortification is an effective approach to defy the deficiency of iron, also known as malnutrition or hidden hunger. Siderophores producing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to enhance plant’s ability to absorb iron from the soil. Pseudomonas fluorescens is one of the major bacteria that comprise PGPR. This chapter outlines the importance and deficiency effects of iron, contribution of Pseudomonas fluorescens in biofortification of various crops with iron, biofortification mechanisms of pseudomonas fluorescens, overview of siderophores, efficiency of the process and future prospects to escalate the impact of the research.