Microbial biostimulants to mitigate salt stress in lettuce

Abstract

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can stimulate plant growth, increase yield, reduce pathogen infection, as well as reduce abiotic plant stress. These microorganisms are of interest for application in agriculture. Bioformulations based on PGPR are named as microbial biostimulants. They are used to enhance the uptake of water and nutrients from the soil, increase root growth, and make plants more resistant to water and heat stress and excessive salinity. The effectiveness of a specific PGPR strain for enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stress depends on the crop, and the type and level of the stress. This study aims to evaluate different PGPR strains and their combinations to improve lettuce germination and early growth under salinity stress