Potential application of plant growth promoting bacteria in bioenergy crop production

Food and energy demands are expected to increase dramatically due to the rapidly growing world population. With the limited supply of finite fossil fuel resources, accompanied by negative environmental impacts caused by their combustion, it is necessary to develop alternative energy resources. Bioenergy generated from plant biomass is one such promising resource. However, biomass production for energy use should not compete for fertile lands with food or feed production. Instead, bioenergy crops should grow on marginal lands and poor soils, which are not suitable for growing food crops. Dedicated bioenergy crops should be developed for high biomass yield and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, with low inputs for sustainable production. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), including rhizosphere and endophytic, are proven to improve plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, increase tolerance to abiotic stresses, and inhibit pathogen growth. In this chapter, we outlines PGPB mechanisms of plant growth promotion and disease control and discusses future prospects.