BIO-INOCULANTS FOR SUSTAINABLE FLORICULTURE

Abstract

Floriculture, a globally significant horticultural sector valued at over USD 55 billion, remains heavily dependent on synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides that compromise soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. The urgent need for sustainable alternatives has directed attention toward microbial bio-inoculants—plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), biocontrol agents, endophytes, cyanobacteria, and microbial consortia—as transformative inputs in ornamental crop production. This review critically evaluates their mechanisms of action, including nutrient mobilization, phytohormone regulation, disease suppression, and abiotic stress tolerance. Empirical evidence across major floricultural species (rose, chrysanthemum, marigold, gladiolus, gerbera, carnation, orchid, jasmine, tuberose, lily, and petunia) demonstrates their potential to enhance yield, quality, and post-harvest longevity under both open-field and protected cultivation. Integration of bio-inoculants within organic farming, integrated nutrient management (INM), and climate-smart production frameworks is examined alongside advances in formulation strategies and application methodologies. Persistent challenges—such as inconsistent field efficacy, short shelf life, limited farmer adoption, and fragmented regulatory oversight—are critically analyzed. Emerging innovations, including nano-bioinoculants, synthetic microbial consortia, omics-guided strain selection, and AI-enabled precision floriculture, are highlighted as promising avenues to bridge the gap between controlled-environment success and commercial reliability. By identifying key research gaps and recommending priority areas for translational research, policy support, and commercialization, this review underscores the pivotal role of bio-inoculants in accelerating the transition toward biologically intensive, resilient, and environmentally responsible floriculture.