Molecular Events and Defence Mechanism Against Biotic Stress Induced by Bio-Priming of Beneficial Microbes

The monotonous and regular use of chemical pesticides or fertilisers not only adversely affects the nutrient and food quality but also affects the health of human beings and surrounding environment. Hence nowadays utilisation of biofertilisers is paramount to support eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture. Modern agriculture should be accompanied by beneficial microorganisms to revamp soil fertility and agricultural productivity. Bio-priming with the efficient microorganisms showed multiple benefit to the plants by modulating plant growth and phytopathogen management. Plant growth-promoting bacteria or fungi (PGPB/PGPF) as priming agents facilitate the acquisition of soil nutrients, and modulate phytohormones. However, it is poorly understood how beneficial microbes (both invading and non-invading) connect successful association with plants by evading host plant immune system. Here, we aimed to discuss the basics of bio-priming agents and describe various molecular events used by beneficial microbes to avoid recognising the immune signalling of plants for their colonisation to ‘primed state’. The importance of multi-omics approaches for unravelling bio-priming is also outlined. The chapter may advance our current understanding of bio-priming-induced molecular events and defence mechanisms against biotic stresses and its importance in integrating into modern agriculture.