Nitrogen Stress in Plants and the Role of Phytomicrobiome

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) being an important macronutrient for plants is a major factor that determines its growth and yield. Nitrogen uptake, nutrition, and signaling have received a lot of attention in the last few decades. More recently, the focus of the research has shifted to regulatory networks within or outside the N metabolism. We know that N is not just the essential nutrient required to support the optimal plant growth and yield, but is also an important signal involved in a wide array of plant responses to a broad range of biotic and abiotic stresses including nutrient deficiency, light, salinity, and drought. The recent progress in the genome sequencing data has allowed us to draw a more comprehensive picture of the molecular and structural diversities of the genes and the encoded proteins involved in morphological and physiological responses to N. Most plants have the ability to enhance nutrient acquisition through symbiosis—close and long-term relationship of microbes with plants. The current review focuses on the most exciting developments in the field of microbes and its role in N stress.