Abstract
AbstractIncreasing global population coupled with climate change necessitates higher crop production with lesser chemical inputs. From both human and environmental health perspectives, it is better to find safe alternatives for the otherwise harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are extremely valuable biostimulants promoting plant growth and health, without any harmful side effects. PGPRs are widely used as biofertilizers in a wide variety of plants for enhanced productivity. PGPR bio-inoculants ensure enhanced crop productivity through increased nutrient assimilation and uptake, increased phytohormone production, and phosphate solubilization. Further, PGPRs are also used as biological control agents/inducers of host resistance to a wide range of phytopathogens in different crops. Integrated use of PGPR along with certain synthetic chemicals is fast gaining acceptance as a cost-effective means for growth enhancement with plant disease management. Biotechnological advances in rhizosphere engineering and genetically modified rhizospheric microorganisms have made significant improvements in the efficiency of PGPR in terms of both growth promotion and disease management. It also extended in the perseverance, fitness, and effectiveness of the introduced biocontrol communities in the new environment of soil. Manipulating the rhizosphere to exploit or enhance this innate genetic potential through manipulation of root/soil interactions will definitely play an important role in the future development of sustainable farming processes. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements and applications of PGPR-mediated plant growth and health promotion, updates on PGPR mechanisms, and deliberates the potential of using rhizosphere engineering for sustainable agriculture.KeywordsPlant growth-promoting rhizobacteriaBiostimulantsInduction systemic resistanceRhizosphere engineering
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