Genetic and Rhizospheric Interactions in Enhancing Crop Resilience to Environmental Stress

Abstract

Crop productivity is increasingly challenged by environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, temperature extremes, and nutrient deficiencies. Enhancing crop resilience requires a comprehensive understanding of both plant genetics and the rhizospheric microbiome, which collectively influence plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance. This study examines the interplay between genetic traits and rhizospheric interactions in conferring resilience to environmental stresses. Advances in plant genomics, including the identification of stress-responsive genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs), have facilitated the development of crops with improved tolerance. Concurrently, rhizospheric microorganisms, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhizal fungi, enhance nutrient availability, modulate phytohormones, and induce systemic stress resistance. Integrating genetic selection with rhizosphere management strategies, including biofertilizers and microbial inoculants, has shown synergistic effects on plant growth and stress mitigation.