Phosphobacteria as key actors to overcome phosphorus deficiency in plants

CASTAGNO, LUIS N; SANNAZZARO, ANALÍA I; GONZALEZ, MARÍA E; PIECKENSTAIN, FERNANDO L; ESTRELLA, MARÍA J

ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Año: 2021

0003-4746

Phosphorus (P), an essential macronutrient for all living organisms, is requiredin large amounts for the growth and development of plants. Although total soil P level ishigh, P bioavailability to plants is suboptimal in most soils due to high fixation ratesinto inorganic and organic insoluble complexes. Hence, plants are highly dependent onmechanisms that allow them to adapt to low-phosphate stress and/or achieve suitablelevels of soluble P on the root surface. In this regard, the rhizospheric microbiota playsa key role in facilitating P nutrition and have long been recognized for their potentialuse as an environmental-friendly alternative to chemical P fertilization.Herein, we outline the advances in the identification of phosphate solubilizing bacteriaand phosphate mineralizing bacteria, collectively known as phosphobacteria, and theirrole in rendering P accessible to plants. We review and discuss research progress relatedto the introduction of phosphobacteria and/or P-mineralizing enzymes into soil, as wellas plant transformation with bacterial genes that encode such enzymes, as strategies to improve plant growth and P-nutrition. We also provide an overview of studies about theimpact of variations in soil P levels on the structure of soil and rhizospheric microbialcommunities and the potential consequences of such perturbations on plant growth.Finally, we discuss possible directions for future research to optimize the efficiency ofbiofertilization strategies based on the use of phosphobacteria.