From understanding the rhizosphere microbiota of crop plants to biosolutions

The consequences of climate change are having an impact on crops, which are increasingly exposed to abiotic stresses such as drought and soil salinity, making them more vulnerable to biotic stresses. Against this backdrop, the challenges associated with food production are forcing the agricultural sector to seek out and adapt innovative solutions, particularly to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In addition, agriculture is currently facing a major challenge aimed at limiting or replacing synthetic inputs for fertilization and plant protection. This is in response to environmental issues and increasingly strong consumer demand.

Environmental challenges include reducing the leaching of fertilizers (nitrogen and phosphate) and the spread of pesticides in soils, which are responsible for polluting water tables and rivers. Consumer demand is such that many are turning to "organic" food to ensure they are consuming "healthy" food products. A totally "organic" diet for all consumers is probably impossible to achieve, both in terms of volume and price. A realistic solution for farmers and consumers is to move towards the implementation of agriculture that is compatible with the protection of the environment and biodiversity, which has been called agroecology for some years now.

Among the practices advocated by agroecology, reduced tillage and the use of solutions replacing synthetic inputs (biofertilizers and biocontrol agents) are at the heart of the issues at stake. Indeed, reduced tillage means a greater need for herbicides, the use of which is increasingly being called into question. There is therefore an urgent need to offer farmers alternative biological solutions.