| Popis: |
Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae (BGA) are a group of ubiquitous photosynthetic Gram-negative prokaryotes having evolutionary significance. They play an important ecological role in regulating the productivity of aquatic and terrestrial environments, interacting with other bacteria, fungi, or microalgae. Such natural associations play a key role in nutrient cycling, allelopathic interactions, and promoting the growth of micro/macro flora and fauna. Agriculturally beneficial consortia have been developed for use as inoculants, using synergistic combinations of diazotrophic cyanobacteria and plant growth promoting bacteria. The cyanobacterial mucilaginous envelope, being rich in nutrients, can serve as a matrix for heterotrophs—bacteria or fungi; this leads to the development of constructed biofilms. Such biofilms and consortia enhance the macro/micronutrient availability, growth, and yields of crops and serve as biocontrol options in disease challenged crops, besides improving soil fertility. Future studies need to focus on understanding their networking in soil with both micro/macro flora and fauna and with plants, as a prelude to making them sustainable options in agriculture. |
