Vol. 9, Special Issue 10, Part V (2025)

Global agricultural systems are increasingly threatened by abiotic stresses-including drought, salinity, and heavy metal contamination-which are exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable farming practices. This review highlights the emerging and critical role of methylotrophic bacteria, with a focus on Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophs (PPFMs), as a sustainable solution to these challenges. As natural residents of the phyllosphere and rhizosphere, PPFMs enhance plant growth and development directly through nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and the production of phytohormones. More significantly, they confer systemic resistance to abiotic stresses by modulating plant ethylene levels via ACC deaminase, stimulating the synthesis of osmoprotectants and antioxidants, and in some cases, directly detoxifying heavy metals. By improving nutrient and water use efficiency, PPFMs reduce reliance on synthetic agrochemicals, thereby offering an eco-friendly pathway to bolster crop productivity and resilience. Their integration into agricultural frameworks represents a pivotal strategy for advancing climate-smart, sustainable food production and ensuring long-term soil and ecosystem health.