Scientific Advances in the use of PGPB for Sorghum Cultivation: Bibliometric Review with Narrative Synthesis

Abstract Sorghum is a resilient crop of great agricultural importance, notable for its high efficiency in water and energy use. However, factors such as low soil nutrient availability and abiotic stresses can limit its productive potential. In this context, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have proven to be sustainable alternatives as they can stimulate crop growth through biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and tolerance to adverse stresses. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis with a narrative synthesis of scientific production on the use of PGPB in sorghum cultivation between 2014 and 2024. To this end, a search for scientific articles was conducted in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The bibliographic data were refined and analyzed in the R software using the Bibliometrix package. It was possible to identify the main authors, institutions, journals, keywords, and scientific collaboration networks. An increase was observed in global scientific production, with Brazil and the United States of America standing out as leaders in publications. The research mainly addressed the effects of PGPB on sorghum growth, BNF, and mitigation of abiotic stresses, such as drought and heavy metal contamination. The use of PGPB was also related to phytoremediation, standing out as a strategy for environmental recovery and increased agricultural productivity. These results contribute to understanding trends and advances in the application of PGPB in sorghum cultivation, as well as providing subsidies for future research.