Open Access

REVIEW

PGPR and PGPF in Horticultural Systems: Physiological Functions, Synergistic Mechanisms, and Precision Microbiome Management

Yumeng Zhao, Jun Tao^*, Yuhan Tang^*

College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China

* Corresponding Authors: Jun Tao. Email: ; Yuhan Tang. Email:

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany 2026, 95(9), 5 https://doi.org/10.32604/phyton.2026.087467

Received 17 June 2026; Accepted 21 August 2026; Issue published 24 September 2026

Abstract

This review focuses on the synergistic roles of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) in horticultural systems, highlighting their mechanisms from physiological functions to molecular regulation and community-level synergy. PGPR and PGPF enhance nutrient acquisition, modulate phytohormones, induce systemic resistance, and alleviate abiotic stresses through complementary pathways. At the molecular level, microbial signals trigger downstream signaling cascades, leading to transcriptional reprogramming and epigenetic priming for long-lasting stress memory. The coexistence of PGPR and PGPF can generate synergistic benefits that may outperform single strains under suitable host, microbial, and environmental conditions; however, challenges remain in strain antagonism, host genotype specificity, environmental dependence, formulation instability, and regulatory hurdles. This review provides a conceptual roadmap for precision microbiome management, shifting from empirical application toward predictive, mechanism-guided consortium design. Finally, leveraging advanced technologies (multi-omics, synthetic biology, and AI-driven modeling) together with the synergistic actions of PGPR and PGPF offers directions for achieving sustainable and climate-resilient horticulture.

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Keywords

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