# Microbiome Management in Sugarcane Rhizosphere: Unraveling the Sweet Microbial Symphony

Ajeet Kumar, S.K. Sinha, A.K. Singh

► To cite this version:

Ajeet Kumar, S.K. Sinha, A.K. Singh. Microbiome Management in Sugarcane Rhizosphere: Unraveling the Sweet Microbial Symphony. New Era Agriculture Magazine, 2024, 2 (10), pp.34-37. hal-04788422

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Submitted on 22 Nov 2024

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# Microbiome Management in Sugarcane Rhizosphere: Unraveling the Sweet Microbial Symphony

Ajeet Kumar*<fnref n="1" />, S.K. Sinha<fnref n="1" /> and A.K. Singh<fnref n="1" />

**Introduction:**

Sugarcane, a primary source of sugar and bioenergy, plays a crucial role in the global agricultural landscape. However, the sustainable cultivation of this crop faces numerous challenges and the need for increased productivity. Recent scientific breakthroughs have spotlighted the importance of the microbiome in the rhizosphere—the volume of soil influenced by sugarcane roots. In the world of agriculture, unlocking the full potential of crop production has become a paramount goal. As we delve deeper into the intricacies of plant-microbe interactions, one area of immense interest is the sugarcane rhizosphere. In the case of sugarcane, understanding and managing the microbiome in its rhizosphere can pave the way for sustainable and enhanced yields of sugarcane.

**The Microbial Symphony in Sugarcane Rhizosphere:**

Sugarcane plants are not solitary entities; they host a diverse community of microorganisms in their rhizosphere, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea.

This microbial orchestra plays a critical role in nutrient cycling, disease resistance and overall plant health. However, achieving a harmonious balance is no small feat and researchers are now exploring innovative ways to manage this delicate ecosystem for the benefit of sugarcane cultivation.

**Microbial Players in Sugarcane Rhizosphere:**

Understanding the key microbial players is essential for effective microbiome management. Beneficial bacteria such as *Bacillus*, *Pseudomonas* and *Azospirillum* have demonstrated their prowess in promoting plant growth, nutrient uptake, and defense mechanisms. Meanwhile, mycorrhizal fungi, such as *Glomus* and *Rhizophagus*, establish symbiotic relationships with sugarcane roots, aiding in nutrient absorption and stress tolerance. The rhizosphere microbiome is a complex community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. In sugarcane, this microbial community plays a pivotal role in nutrient cycling, disease resistance and overall plant health.

Ajeet Kumar*<fnref n="1" />, S.K. Sinha<fnref n="1" /> and A.K. Singh<fnref n="1" />

<footnote n="1">¹Assistant Professor-cum Scientist, Department of Soil Science, Sugarcane Research Institute,</footnote>

<footnote n="2">²Associate Professor, Department of Soil Science, Regional Research Station, West Champaran,</footnote>

<footnote n="3">³Director, Sugarcane Research Institute,
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India</footnote>
## Microbiome and Nutrient Cycling Enhances Nutrient Uptake:

One of the primary roles of the sugarcane rhizosphere microbiome is nutrient cycling. Microorganisms help break down organic matter in the soil, releasing essential nutrients that become readily available to the sugarcane plants. Nitrogen fixing bacteria play a pivotal role in converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb, enhancing nitrogen availability in the rhizosphere. This symbiotic relationship contributes significantly to the plant's growth and development.

**Nitrogen Fixation:** Nitrogen is a vital nutrient for sugarcane growth and certain bacteria in the rhizosphere have the remarkable ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use. By promoting the growth of nitrogen fixing bacteria, researchers are enhancing the plant's access to this essential nutrient, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and mitigating environmental impact.

### Phosphorus Solubilizing

**Microorganisms (PSM):** Certain bacteria and fungi possess the ability to solubilize insoluble phosphorus compounds, thus converting them into a form that plants can absorb. PSMs, including genera like *Bacillus*, *Pseudomonas*, and *Aspergillus*, play a crucial role in this process. These microorganisms produce

organic acids, enzymes, and siderophores that break down complex phosphorus compounds, releasing soluble phosphates into the soil solution.

### Potassium Solubilizing

**Microorganisms:** Sugarcane demands a significant amount of potassium for optimal growth and sugar accumulation. However, a considerable portion of soil potassium exists in insoluble forms, limiting its accessibility to plants. Traditional potassium fertilization practices may not fully address this challenge, necessitating a closer look at the dynamic interplay between sugarcane and the microbiome in the rhizosphere. Certain microbes like *B. mucilaginosus*, *B. circulans* possess the unique ability to solubilize insoluble potassium minerals, rendering them available for plant uptake. Through the production of organic acids, enzymes, and chelating compounds, these microbes transform unavailable potassium into soluble forms, facilitating its absorption by sugarcane roots. The rhizosphere microbiome aids in nutrient solubilization, making essential minerals more accessible to sugarcane roots. This enhanced nutrient uptake contributes to improved plant growth, resilience and overall productivity.

## Disease Suppression through Microbiome Management:
Sugarcane is susceptible to various pathogens that can cause devastating diseases. However, the rhizosphere microbiome can act as a natural defense mechanism against these threats. Certain bacteria and fungi produce antimicrobial compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogens, effectively suppressing diseases. Harnessing the potential of these natural protectors through targeted microbiome management strategies can reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices. Pathogenic microorganisms can threaten sugarcane crops, leading to reduced yields and economic losses. However, a well-balanced microbiome can act as a natural defense mechanism against these pathogens. Scientists are exploring ways to enhance the presence of beneficial microbes that suppress harmful pathogens, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.

**The Impact of Agricultural Practices on Sugarcane Microbiome:**

Human interventions in agriculture, such as the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other agrochemicals, can significantly influence the composition and function of the sugarcane rhizosphere microbiome. While these inputs aim to enhance crop yield, they may unintentionally disrupt the delicate microbial balance. Sustainable farming practices that take into account the

microbiome's resilience and diversity are crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive sugarcane rhizosphere.

**Innovative Approaches to Microbiome Management:**

Researchers and farmers alike are exploring novel approaches to optimize the sugarcane rhizosphere microbiome. Probiotics for plants, involving the application of beneficial microorganisms, are gaining traction. Customized microbial consortia, tailored to specific soil and climate conditions, can be introduced to enhance plant-microbe interactions. Additionally, precision farming technologies, such as sensors and artificial intelligence, can assist in real-time monitoring of the rhizosphere, allowing for adaptive management strategies.

**Challenges and Future Directions:**

While the potential benefits of microbiome management in sugarcane rhizosphere are clear, challenges remain. Understanding the complexity of microbial interactions, developing robust microbial formulations and addressing the economic feasibility of these strategies are areas that require further research. Future directions should focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, combining the expertise of microbiologists, agronomists and data scientists to unlock the full potential of microbiome management in sugarcane cultivation. As we delve deeper into
the intricate web of sugarcane-microbiome interactions, the potential for microbiome management in sugarcane cultivation becomes increasingly evident. Future research aims to identify specific microbial strains with beneficial traits and develop bioinoculants for targeted applications in the field. Additionally, advancements in molecular techniques, such as metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, enable a more comprehensive understanding of the sugarcane rhizosphere microbiome.

**Conclusion:**

As the global demand for sugarcane continues to rise, the need for sustainable and efficient cultivation practices becomes more pressing. Microbiome management in the sugarcane rhizosphere emerges as a promising avenue to boost yields, reduce environmental impact and ensure the long-term viability of sugarcane farming and fortify plants against diseases. By unraveling the secrets of the microbial world beneath our feet, we can sweeten the deal for both farmers and consumers alike, ushering in a new era of sustainable agriculture. As we navigate the challenges of modern agriculture, the sweet connection between sugarcane and its rhizosphere microbiome offers a promising pathway towards a more sustainable and productive future.

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NEW ERA
AGRICULTURE MAGAZINE