ABSTRACT
The objective of sustainable agriculture can be accomplished by employing biofertilizers such as probiotic microbes that are eco-friendly and highly productive. Probiotic microbes such as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) aid in biofortification of the soil, thus, influencing plant health against biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Bacterial colonization, formation of biofilms, and production of beneficial metabolites are influenced by agriculture formulations containing nanomaterial’s (NMs), which provide appropriate microenvironment and physical protection. So far, myriad eco-toxicological ramifications of NMs have been studied and reviewed, but an emerging area of research has ascribed the beneficial aspects of NMs and PGPB research. The framework of this chapter summarizes the impact of NMs in promoting growth of PGPB and their applications in sustainable agriculture. Based on available scientific reports, the knowledge of NM–PGPB interactions, mechanisms, factors governing this crosstalk, and their biological significance are explored here. Additionally, to improve the influence of NMs on PGPB, future direction and strategies for developing agriculture formulations are discussed. The insights presented not only amplify our scientific understanding for developing eco-friendly biofertilizers but also provide a rationale for research on NM–PGPB interactions.
