Multifaceted Potential of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)

Abstract

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a unique group of bacteria that colonize the rhizosphere and roots of plants. They are involved in a plethora of interaction with the host plant and benefit the host plant from nutritional and pathological point of view. The beneficial role of PGPR extends from fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, solubilization of phosphates, siderophore production, synthesis of plant growth regulators, and conferring protection to plants through production of antibiotics and ultimately helping the plants in acquiring resistance. The microbes are also being used for bioremediation purposes and thus act as an eco-friendly cleansing agent. PGPR has gained immense interest in the scientific community and have emerged as a very reliable tool for eco-friendly and sustainable approach for crop production. PGPR is a potent candidate of bioprospection for sustainable use in agriculture and bioremediation process for the overall benefit of mankind.