PGPR From Its Discovery to its Commercial Product Development for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review
Abstract:
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of beneficial bacteria found in the rhizosphere, the soil surrounding plant roots. These bacteria offer great potential for enhancing plant growth through various mechanisms. It is crucial for PGPR to possess specific characteristics that not only support plant growth but also maintain eco-friendliness. This is particularly important considering the increasing use of chemical inputs in agriculture, which has led to the accumulation of harmful substances in the soil, resulting in reduced fertility over time. Among the various bacterial species within the PGPR group, Pseudomonas fluorescens is one of the well-known and extensively studied. Researchers have conducted studies on the effects of PGPR on plant growth, starting from laboratory experiments and extending to greenhouse trials. These studies have demonstrated the positive impact of PGPR as biofertilizers and biopesticides. The formulation of PGPR strains with specific carriers has been explored to effectively deliver the bacteria to the soil and subsequently to the plants. Such formulations have the potential to reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers in agricultural practices. Once PGPR formulations are developed, it is available to market and readily available to farmers. This enables the promotion of organic or sustainable farming practices across agricultural areas, reducing the dependence on synthetic chemicals and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
