Plant growth-promoting bacteria: Advancing sustainable agriculture in north Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36560/19320262195Palavras-chave:
Azospirillum, Nitrogen fertilizer, Rhizobium, Semi-arid, Soil HealthResumo
The overreliance on chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizers has led to environmental degradation, soil health decline, and rising costs. This challenge is especially relevant in North Africa, where fertilizer use remains relatively low, yet the demand for higher agricultural productivity and food security continues to grow. Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, supporting plant development through N fixation, phytohormone production, nutrient solubilization, and pathogen control. Genera such as Azospirillum and Rhizobium are among the most studied, showing the ability to enhance N availability, crop resilience to drought and salinity, and overall yields. This review synthesizes current knowledge on PGPB in North Africa, with emphasis on Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Native strains adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions have shown promising results in improving soil fertility and crop performance. However, limited farmer awareness, resistance to change, environmental variability, and weak policy support hinder large-scale adoption. Advancing PGPB use requires research on native strains, farmer training, and enabling policies. Harnessing PGPB can reduce dependence on chemical inputs while promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and food security in the region.
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Accepted 2026-03-16
Published 2026-04-13
