The Role of PGPRs in Medicinal Plants under Abiotic Stress

Abstract

AbstractRapid and gradual change in environment causes abiotic stress in medicinal plants and ultimately reduces their yield. To tolerate abiotic stress such as salinity, drought, heavy metal, temperature, etc. (causes the production of reactive oxygen species including superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide) plants have developed various mechanisms. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) also play an important role in abiotic stress and trigger the tolerance mechanism in plants. Harmful pesticides and agrochemicals reduce the development of pathogens and threat to global food security and environment. PGPR emerged as biologically, cost-effective and eco-friendly substitutes to help plant growth. Medicinal plants have developed a set of different mechanisms for adaptation and survival under severe environmental conditions. This chapter discusses the effect of abiotic stress in medicinal plants and their interaction with PGPRs to facilitate the growth by synthesis of beneficial metabolites through various mechanisms.KeywordsPGPRMedicinal plantsAbiotic stressRhizobium sp.