Cyanobacteria: Harnessing the power of microorganisms for plant growth promotion, stress alleviation, and phytoremediation in the era of sustainable agriculture

Abstract

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable agriculture, cyanobacterium has emerged as a viable option to offer multifaceted benefits to both crops and the environment. This comprehensive review navigates the contributions of cyanobacteria in agriculture and begins with an insightful exploration of their fundamental role in sustainable agricultural systems. This review article explains the mechanisms through which cyanobacterium may foster plant growth and demonstrates their ability to boost crop yields and optimize nutrient utilization. Their capacity to alleviate stresses in plants in drought to salinity conditions, unveils a remarkable feature. Beyond the fields, this bacterium plays a crucial role in protecting our environmental as well as help through phytoremediation by addressing soil pollution and effectively removing heavy metals and organic contaminants. In the context of sustainable agriculture, it represents an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers and can be seamlessly integrated into organic farming. Looking forward, this review peers into the future of its applications in agriculture, pragmatically addressing the hurdles of commercialization, regulatory compliance, and public perception. In conclusion, this review consolidates the pivotal contributions of this bacterium to sustainable agriculture, underscoring the imperative of ongoing research and innovation in harnessing their transformative potential for a greener and more productive agricultural practices in future.