Open Access

REVIEW

Advances in PGPR-Mediated Plant-Pathogen Control for Food Security and Ecosystem Stability

Sajid Ali^*, Yong-Sun Moon^*

Department of Horticulture and Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea

* Corresponding Authors: Sajid Ali. Email: ; Yong-Sun Moon. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Multi-Level Mechanisms in Plant-Pathogen Interactions)

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2025, 94(5), 1419-1451. https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2025.064284

Received 11 February 2025; Accepted 22 April 2025; Issue published 29 May 2025

Abstract

This review focused on the role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in enhancing plant growth and protecting against pathogens, highlighting their mechanisms of action, ecological benefits, and challenges. PGPR mediate plant growth through several mechanisms, including nutrient acquisition, production of antimicrobial compounds and induction of systemic resistance. These mechanisms are critical in improving crop yields, especially under stressful conditions. This review examines the molecular mechanisms of PGPR-mediated plant pathogen control, cellular mechanisms of PGPR in plant pathogen control, ecological and environmental benefits of PGPR application. Despite their potential, PGPR application is limited by environmental variability, inconsistent efficacy, and challenges in formulation and commercialization. The review discusses these challenges and also provides solutions. Additionally, the review outlines the latest advancements in PGPR strain selection and their genetic modifications for enhanced resilience and biocontrol efficacy. PGPR are particularly crucial in addressing global food security challenges, exacerbated by climate change, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. PGPR have been shown to increase crop yields by 20%–30% in drought-prone regions and reduce pesticide use by up to 50%, contributing to more sustainable farming. As research advances, PGPR can play a key role in reducing chemical input dependency and promoting long-term agricultural sustainability. This review examines the role of PGPR in pathogen control and highlights their potential to enhance agricultural sustainability.

---

Keywords

---