AGRICULTURA SUSTENTÁVEL COM O USO DE BACTÉRIAS PROMOTORAS DE CRESCIMENTO

Abstract

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are beneficial microorganisms that play a fundamental role in sustainable agriculture by stimulating plant development through direct and indirect mechanisms. Direct mechanisms include biological nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and the production of phytohormones—such as auxins, glyberellins, and cytokines, among others—while indirect mechanisms include competition for nutrients and niches, the production of antibiotics and lytic enzymes, and the induction of systemic resistance in plants. For example, certain Bacillus species can produce antibiotics that inhibit Fusarium spp. (which cause plant diseases), while Pseudomonas can induce systemic resistance, making plants more resistant to multiple phytopathogens. The use of PGPB can reduce dependence on agricultural chemical inputs, improve soil health, and increase crop productivity, contributing to more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices. This work is based on a bibliographic review and analysis of recent studies that demonstrate the agronomic potential of these bacteria as bioinputs, discussing their benefits, mechanisms of action and challenges for their efficient application in different production systems.