Journal
BMC Microbiology
BMC Microbiology is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that considers articles on all aspects of microbiology, covering bacteria, archaea, algae and fungi, viruses, unicellular...
Plant-growth promoting microorganisms (PGPM), including bacteria and fungi, play a critical role in enhancing plant health, stress tolerance, and productivity. These microorganisms inhabit different plant compartments (i.e. rhizosphere, spermosphere, phyllosphere and endosphere) where they can enhance a number of processes, such as nutrient uptake and use efficiency, root development, biosynthesis of plant defensive biomolecules, removal of heavy metals from the soil, plant immunity and systemic resistance against pathogens, and stress tolerance. However, a deeper understanding of how PGPM function, and microbe-plant interactions are established and regulated, is essential for leveraging their potential in modern sustainable agricultural practices.
Although the importance of plant-growth promoting microbial communities is acknowledged, gaining a greater knowledge on PGPM and microbe-plant interactions will foster sustainable agricultural practices that address challenges such as climate change, soil degradation, and global food security. Therefore, in support of United Nations’ SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), BMC Microbiology launches the collection, Plant-growth promoting microorganisms. This collection invites submissions on PGPM (bacteria and fungi), microbe-plant interactions and PGPM applications in sustainable agriculture to enhance plant growth and productivity, as well as soil health. Research mainly focusing on plants/crops and agricultural practices without a clear focus on microorganisms and/or microbe-plant interactions will not be considered. We invite researchers and experts in the field to submit research articles covering a broad range of topics including, but not limited to:
• Role and impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant-growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) in plant growth, productivity, health and stress tolerance
• Modes of action (or mechanisms) of PGPM in the rhizosphere, spermosphere, phyllosphere and endosphere
• Microbe-plant interactions: mechanisms, signaling and regulation
• Plant-growth promoting bacterial endophytes
• Plant immunity and systemic resistance induced by PGPM
• PGPM-produced phytohormones: role, biosynthesis and impact on plant growth, health and stress resilience
• Role and impact of bioinoculant and biostimulant applications on plant growth, health and stress resilience
• Impact of PGPM on soil health
• PGPM inoculation methods
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Frederik Bak BSc,MSc,PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Frederik Bak His research primarily focuses on plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere and spermosphere. Currently, he is investigating nitrogen fixation in the rhizosphere, microbial interactions using synthetic communities, phosphorus cycling, and bacterial traits essential for root colonization. Frederik Bak researched subsurface microbial communities at the Geological Survey of Greenland and Denmark. In 2024, he joined the editorial board of BMC Microbiology. -
Professor Luz Bashan PhD, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, United States
Dr Bashan main fields of research are the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria for biotechnological applications the restoration of degraded soils, and the development of bacterial inoculants. -
Gustavo Santoyo PhD, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia, Mexico
Dr Santoyo has published over 160 papers, accumulating more than 8,000 citations, and has an h-index of 42. He has supervised more than 40 theses and is a member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences, holding a level III distinction in SNII-CONAHCYT-Mexico.
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