Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB)—A Versatile Tool for Plant Health Management

Abstract

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) include bacteria isolated from rhizosphere, phyllosphere, marine, rock surface, and from different ecosystems. PGPB enhance plant growth by promoting nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and production of phytohormones such as indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins, polyamines, nitric oxide, and stress-mitigating enzyme viz., 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase. Further, they protect plant health through the synthesis of antibiotics and hydrolytic enzymes and induction of resistance in plants. Conspicuously, the mixtures of PGPB strains have been reported for their synergistic action in enhancing plant growth and protection. Due to their wide range of properties in maintaining crop health, PGPB can be an integral component in sustainable crop production practices. The effect of PGPB has been demonstrated successfully against many plant diseases and pests affecting crop cultivation. PGPB are also used in wastewater treatment and soil conservation. The current review discusses the mechanisms of action of PGPB and their usefulness in pest and disease management practices.