Perspectives on the potential application of cyanobacteria in the alleviation of drought and salinity stress in crop plants

Agriculture faces serious constraints due to drought and salinity. Soils under these pressures can result in low productivity, decreasing the farmlands area and a negative impact on the food security. In this context, the cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can be considered important microorganisms. They are commonly found in rice fields and agricultural soils where they perform important ecological functions. Cyanobacteria improve the soil fertility and productivity of crops through the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, phosphate solubilization and release of nutrients. Several cyanobacteria also secrete biologically active compounds such as phytohormones, amino acids, polysaccharides and vitamins which help in plant growth promotion. Studies have shown the potential of these compounds in the alleviation of abiotic stress in crop plants. Through an array of physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms, the cyanobacteria improve plant growth and development. Therefore, mitigation strategies using cyanobacteria are important in combating the drought and salinity stress. This article discussed the possible outcomes of employing cyanobacteria to regulate the growth and development of plants as an effective way to overcome the drought and salinity stress.