The Role of Microbial Inoculants on Plant Protection, Growth Stimulation, and Crop Productivity of the Olive Tree (<i>Olea europea</i> L.)

The olive tree (<i>Olea europaea</i> L.) is an emblematic, long-living fruit tree species of profound economic and environmental importance. This study is a literature review of articles published during the last 10 years about the role of beneficial microbes [Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fung...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Georgios Bizos, Efimia M. Papatheodorou, Theocharis Chatzistathis, Nikoletta Ntalli, Vassilis G. Aschonitis, Nikolaos Monokrousos
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-06-01
Series:Plants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/9/6/743
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Summary:The olive tree (<i>Olea europaea</i> L.) is an emblematic, long-living fruit tree species of profound economic and environmental importance. This study is a literature review of articles published during the last 10 years about the role of beneficial microbes [Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), Plant Growth Promoting Fungi (PGPF), and Endophytes] on olive tree plant growth and productivity, pathogen control, and alleviation from abiotic stress. The majority of the studies examined the AMF effect using mostly <i>Rhizophagus irregularis</i> and <i>Glomus mosseae</i> species. These AMF species stimulate the root growth improving the resistance of olive plants to environmental and transplantation stresses. Among the PGPR, the nitrogen-fixing bacteria <i>Azospirillum</i> sp. and potassium- and phosphorous-solubilizing <i>Bacillus</i> sp. species were studied extensively. These PGPR species were combined with proper cultural practices and improved considerably olive plant’s growth. The endophytic bacterial species <i>Pseudomonas fluorescens</i> and <i>Bacillus</i> sp., as well as the fungal species <i>Trichoderma</i> sp. were identified as the most effective biocontrol agents against olive tree diseases (e.g., Verticillium wilt, root rot, and anthracnose).
ISSN:2223-7747