Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)

With a substantial decline in the use of synthetic chemicals, the growing demand for agricultural production is a critical concern in today's world. The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been found to be an environmentally sound way of increasing agricultural productivity by promoting plant growth either through a direct or indirect mechanism. PGPRs are commonly occurring soil microbes that colonize the root system, which is an ideal location for interactions with plant microbes. PGPRs can provide an enticing way of reducing the use of toxic chemicals and can affect plant growth and development, either through releasing plant growth regulators or other bioactive stimulants and by taking up nutrients through fixation and mobilization, minimizing adverse effects of microbial pathogens on crops by using numerous mechanisms. In addition, they also play a significant role in soil fertility. This chapter aims to explore the diversified plant growth mechanisms that promote rhizobacteria in fostering crop yields and promoting sustainable agriculture.