V. Jeyanthi and S. Kanimozhi
P.G. & Research Department of Microbiology, Asan Memorial College of Arts and Science, Chennai, India.
ABSTRACT
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are naturally occurring soil bacteria that colonize plant roots, which is an important environment for plant microbe interactions. PGPR have attracted special attention for their ability to enhance productivity, sustainability and profitability when food security and rural livelihood are a key priority. Chemical fertilizers used in agriculture and pathogenic microorganisms attacking plants show harmful impact on the ecosystem. The potentiality of PGPR offers an attractive way to replace the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other supplements. PGPR affect plant growth and development directly or indirectly, either by releasing plant growth regulators or other biologically active substances, and uptake of nutrients through fixation and mobilization, reducing harmful effects of pathogenic microorganisms on plants and by employing multiple mechanisms of action. Besides they play an important role in soil fertility. This review intends to elucidate the diverse mechanisms of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in promoting crop production and developing sustainable agriculture.
Keywords: PGPR, Siderophore, Phytohormone, Antibiosis, ISR.