A REVIEW OF THE EFFECT OF SOME PLANT BACTERIA ON GROUNDNUT PLANT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a key leguminous crop, will continue to face challenges from soil-borne pathogens and environmental stressors that impact its growth and productivity. In recent years, plant-associated bacteria will emerge as promising biological control agents and growth enhancers in sustainable agriculture. This comprehensive review will elucidate the multifaceted effects of plant bacteria on groundnut plants, focusing on their roles in disease management and growth promotion. The review will delve into various classes of plant bacteria, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), mycorrhizal fungi, and biocontrol agents, evaluating their mechanisms of action and effectiveness. Key mechanisms will include nutrient solubilization, hormone production, and the induction of systemic resistance, all of which contribute to improved plant health and yield. Additionally, the review will explore how these bacteria suppress pathogenic microbes through competitive exclusion, antibiosis, and enzyme production. Recent studies will demonstrate that inoculation with specific bacterial strains will enhance groundnut growth parameters such as root development, nitrogen fixation, and overall biomass. Furthermore, these bacterial treatments will mitigate the impacts of various soil-borne diseases, including those caused by fungi, bacteria, and nematodes, thereby contributing to increased crop resilience. The review will also address practical aspects of integrating bacterial inoculants into groundnut cultivation, including formulation, application methods, and field performance. It will discuss the potential benefits and limitations of bacterial interventions, highlighting areas for future research to optimize their use and address challenges such as environmental variability and microbial interactions. Plant bacteria will represent a promising tool for enhancing groundnut health and productivity. The review will emphasize the need for continued research to refine bacterial applications and integrate them effectively into agricultural practices, aiming to advance sustainable crop management strategies and improve groundnut yields globally.