Browsing by Author "Tripathi, Vishal"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Endophytic Rhizobacteria for Mineral Nutrients Acquisition in Plants: Possible Functions and Ecological Advantages
(Springer Nature Switzerland AG., 2021-03-05) Aloo, Becky; Tripathi, Vishal; Mbega, Ernest; Makumba, Billy A.
Nutrient-deficiency in agricultural soils is a major problem in many parts of the world, it is, therefore, artificial fertilizers are widely used to boost crop production. Unfortunately, these fertilizers are associated with a myriad of environmental problems hence, there is a need for viable alternatives. The realization that the plant microbiome can improve plant health, soil fertility, and crop productivity is one of the most fascinating scientific discoveries in the world. For several decades, rhizobacteria have been studied due to their various plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits. Endophytic rhizobacteria are unique plant microbiome that establish themselves within plant root tissues and exert beneficial functions to their hosts without harming them. A lot of emphases have been put on these bacteria as viable tools for sustainable agriculture and it is advanced that they could be better plant growth promoters than their external counterparts. However, this theory is not yet clearly understood. This chapter provides the current state of understanding of the putative functions of endophytic rhizobacteria and their future prospects for plant mineral nutrients acquisition. Their advantageous traits that largely advanced to facilitate these PGP functions are also discussed. Such informations can provide better opportunities for improved plant mineral nutrients acquisition and enhance the application of these microbes as viable strategies for sustainable agriculture.
Nutrient Budgets for Sustained Crop Production in African Soils: Evidence from Potato-Grown Soils in Tanzania
(Springer Nature Singapore, 2024-11-12) Aloo, Becky; Tripathi, Vishal; Makumba, Billy; Mbega, Ernest
Soil fertility is under pressure worldwide due to agricultural intensification to match food demand. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the depletion of soil nutrients is the root cause of the widespread food insecurity. Therefore, there is a need to continually monitor soil nutrient levels to drive policies and management options for sustained food production. Compared to other crops, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is increasingly becoming significant for food and economic security in SSA. The crop is, however, a heavy nutrient feeder and withdraws hefty amounts of nutrients from the soil which can interfere with its sustained production. However, very few studies have assessed the soil fertility levels of potato-grown soils in different parts of SSA. This chapter includes a case study report from the investigation of the fertility status and associated physicochemical properties of potato-grown soils in various agro-ecological areas in Tanzania. Soil samples collected from 27 potato farmlands were sampled in nine districts and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity at 25 °C (EC25), soluble salts (SS), particle size distribution, potassium, phosphorus, iron, nitrogen, zinc, organic matter (OM), and organic carbon (OC) using standard methods. The results revealed significant differences for fertility-related physicochemical properties like EC25 (P = 0.004), (%) SS (P = 0.004), (%) OC (P = 0.018), and (%) OM (P = 0.019) in the soils but there were no significant differences for the fertility status of soils across the different study areas. Significant (P < 0.05) correlations were also observed for different parameters. The study concluded that specific soil characteristics differed significantly while fertility was relatively consistent. These findings serve as a basis for comprehending the existing soil conditions and can inform future strategies for sustainable soil management to ensure optimal nutrient levels to support the continued productivity of potatoes in the region.
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial biofertilizers for crop production: The past, present, and future
(Frontiers, 2022-09-16) Aloo, Becky; Tripathi, Vishal; Makumba, Billy; Mbega, Ernest
Recent decades have witnessed increased agricultural production to match the global demand for food fueled by population increase. Conventional agricultural practices are heavily reliant on artificial fertilizers that have numerous human and environmental health effects. Cognizant of this, sustainability researchers and environmentalists have increased their focus on other crop fertilization mechanisms. Biofertilizers are microbial formulations constituted of indigenous plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that directly or indirectly promote plant growth through the solubilization of soil nutrients, and the production of plant growth-stimulating hormones and iron- sequestering metabolites called siderophores. Biofertilizers have continually been studied, recommended, and even successfully adopted for the production of many crops in the world. These microbial products hold massive potential as sustainable crop production tools, especially in the wake of climate change that is partly fueled by artificial fertilizers. Despite the growing interest in the technology, its full potential has not yet been achieved and utilization still seems to be in infancy. There is a need to shed light on the past, current, and future prospects of biofertilizers to increase their understanding and utility. This review evaluates the history of PGPR biofertilizers, assesses their present utilization, and critically advocates their future in sustainable crop production. It, therefore, updates our understanding of the evolution of PGPR biofertilizers in crop production. Such information can facilitate the evaluation of their potential and ultimately pave the way for increased exploitation.