Effect of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria

in Vegetable Production

Abstract
A substantial population of soil bacteria possess the capability to inhabit both the
surface and interior of root systems, promoting the growth and overall health of
plants. This category of bacteria, commonly known as plant growth-promoting
rhizobacteria (PGPR), plays a significant role in augmenting the growth of plants,
including vegetables, in both conventional and challenging soil conditions. PGPR
exerts its influence on plant growth through processes such as nitrogen fixation,
phosphate solubilization, mineral absorption, siderophore generation, antibiosis,
and the synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes. Among the noteworthy PGPR that aid in
the growth of a diverse range of vegetables like potato, carrot, onion, and others are
those belonging to the genera Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, and
Bacillus.
 247

Utilizing biofertilizers that incorporate nitrogen-fixing plant growth-promoting

rhizobacteria can serve as a viable strategy to mitigate the detrimental effects of
agrochemicals in vegetable cultivation practices. Here concerted efforts have been
made to underscore significant impact of nitrogen-fixing bacteria on the yield of
vegetables.

Keywords: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Nitrogen fixation,

Biofertilizer

Introduction
Plant growth in agricultural soils is influenced by various non-living (abiotic) and
living (biotic) factors. The rhizosphere refers to the thin layer of soil surrounding
plant roots, playing a crucial role in root activity and metabolism. Within the
rhizosphere, a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi,
protozoa, and algae, coexist. These microorganisms can be categorized based on
their impact on plants and their interactions with roots. Some act as pathogens,
while others bring about beneficial effects. Many of these identified Plant Growth
Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) have gained popularity due to the growing
recognition of the rhizosphere’s significance within the biosphere. The
microorganisms that inhabit the rhizosphere and provide benefits to plants are
referred to as Plant Growth Promoting Rhizomicro- organisms (PGPR). Various
species of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Klebsiella,
Enterobacter, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Burkholderia, Bacillus, and Serratia, have been
identified as enhancers of plant growth (Bhattacharyya and Jha, 2012). There exist
several inoculants of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) that appear
to stimulate growth and yield by either suppressing plant diseases, improving
nutrient absorption, or producing phytohormones (Ahemad and Kibret, 2014).

Due to various threats to agriculture, scientists are exploring natural and

environmentally friendly alternatives. One of these approaches involves utilizing
microbes like bacteria and fungi in ecological engineering strategies. These strategies
have been developed to conserve the environment and enhance agricultural practices
for increased food production (Ashraf et al., 2012). The use of plant growth-
promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been in practice for approximately a century,
with countries like China, European nations, the former Soviet Union, and the
United States initiating large-scale programs for the development of PGPR
inoculants for agricultural use. The application of PGPR is considered one of the
most effective and cost-efficient methods for boosting agricultural productivity. It
achieves this through stimulating plant growth, controlling plant pathogens, and
facilitating the
 248

breakdown of pollutants, a process known as bioremediation (Bhattacharyya and

Jha, 2012; Landa et al., 2013).

Enhancing Plant Growth with Rhizobacteria: The Impact of PGPR

PGPR have a significant impact on promoting plant growth by positively

affecting soil quality, bioremediation and stress management for the advancement of
sustainable agriculture practices (Moncada et al. 2020). They serve as beneficial
agents that act as both biofertilizers and biopesticides, directly improving plant
growth through processes like nitrogen fixation, phytohormone production, and
phosphate solubilization (as depicted in Figure 1). The conventional methods for
introducing PGPR, namely seed coating and soil drenching are commonly
employed to boost the growth of vegetables. Additionally, foliar sprays prove
effective in protecting plants against diseases. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria
(PSB), a type of PGPR, convert insoluble organic and inorganic phosphorous
compounds into forms that plants can readily absorb. Implementing bio-
inoculation with PGPR leads to heightened germination rates, increased biomass,
and the provision of vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to plant
roots. Furthermore, they facilitate the production of essential hormones like auxin
and gibberellins, as well as siderophores, ammonia, and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-
carboxylate (ACC) deaminase.

Fig. 1. Application of PGPR on vegetables and their anticipated strategies for plant
growth promotion

Initially, it was believed that the production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN)

played a central role in promoting plant growth by reducing plant pathogens.
However, this hypothesis evolved, suggesting that HCN production indirectly
enhances phosphorus accessibility through metal chelation and sequestration,
subsequently influencing
 249

nutrient accessibility to rhizobacteria and host plants (Rijavec et al. 2016). The
production of HCN by PGPR is not restricted to a specific genus, allowing them
to be employed as biofertilizers or biocontrol agents to augment crop production
and yields (Agbodjato et al. 2015). The enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane1-carboxylate
(ACC) deaminase breaks down the plant ethylene precursor, ACC, into ammonia
and ketobutyrate. Organisms producing ACC deaminase reduce ACC levels in
plants, subsequently lowering ethylene levels. High concentrations of ethylene can
hinder plant growth or even lead to plant death. Additionally, PGPR can heighten
enzymatic activity and improve the absorption of minerals and water (Kumar et
al. 2016). Through indirect mechanisms, PGPR shield plants from both biotic and
abiotic stresses by suppressing the growth of plant pathogens and inducing systemic
resistance (Singh et al. 2017).

The Contribution of PGPR in Vegetable Crop Cultivation

PGPR play a crucial role in enhancing vegetable crop production. Table 1 outlines
the common PGPR used as biofertilizers for vegetable crops, along with their
recommended application methods, including seed coating, soil treatment, soil
drenching, or foliar spray. Phosphorus is a vital nutrient for vegetable growth,
especially for high biomass production in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). Insufficient
phosphorus levels in soil globally lead to a 40% reduction in potato production.
Potatoes require higher levels of both nitrogen and phosphorus compared to other
vegetables due to tuber formation. Bacteria that solubilize phosphate contribute to
enhanced growth and biomass production of potato tubers (Shahid et al. 2017).
The combined action of three phosphate-solubilizing bacteria isolates, Pantoea
agglomerans strain P5, Microbacterium laevaniformans strain P7, and Pseudomonas
putida, significantly influences phosphate solubilization and potato yield.
Additionally, bacteria capable of solubilizing potassium can boost potato
productivity by increasing potassium availability in the rhizosphere (Ali et al.
2020).

Cauliflower, a valuable crop known for its high dietary fiber and nutritional
content within the brassicaceae family, also benefits from inoculation with phosphate-
solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and other PGPR. Research by Kushwaha et al. 2013
demonstrates that the application of PGPR isolates improves cauliflower germination
and growth by augmenting the production of indole acetic acid (IAA) and
phosphate solubilization.

Broccoli, esteemed for its high nutritional value and in high demand globally,
saw increased production in India following improved cultivation practices and
awareness of its nutritional benefits. While organic farming can enhance broccoli
 250

yields by improving nutrient accessibility to roots. Altuntas et al. 2018

discovered that the use of PGPR biofertilizers resulted in a 50% yield increase
compared to control groups and a 20% increase compared to chemical fertilizers.
Successful broccoli production relies on effective phosphorus absorption from
the soil. The application of Pseudomonas fluorescens, a phosphate-solubilizing
bacteria, in conjunction with a substantial amount of fertilizer, led to increased
broccoli growth. PGPR application on vegetable crops extends beyond nutrient
enhancement, as it also serves as a biocontrol agent, safeguarding plants against
various pathogens and pests. This protection is achieved through both direct
suppression of a wide range of viral, bacterial, fungal, and nematode diseases,
and indirect alteration of the rhizosphere to favor beneficial microorganisms.

Notably, soilborne fungal pathogens, like Fusarium infection causing wilt

disease in tomatoes, pose a significant global threat. Nabi et al. 2021 evaluated the
effectiveness of the PGPR Bacillus aryabhattai in controlling Fusarium wilt disease in
tomatoes and found increased levels of amino acids and phytohormones in
PGPR- treated plants. Additionally, approximately 80% of tomato crop losses are
attributed to Alternaria solani, which causes early blight disease. The combined
action of green waste, wood biochar, and PGPR (Bacillus subtilis) inhibited the
mycelial growth of
A. solani by up to 55% in tomatoes. Tariq et al. 2014 assessed the impact of PGPR
on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) yield by applying a consortium of Klebsiella,
Burkholderia, Panibacillus, and Bacillus spp. in the field for up to 30 days. The
results revealed consistent yield increases per acre with escalating PGPR
formulations. Notably, significant correlations occurred between phenotypic and
genotypic factors and yield in each treatment.

Bio-inoculation of PGPR on vegetable crops additionally aids in

overcoming soil constraints such as salinity, acidity, and drought. For instance,
eggplant (Solanum melongena) faces challenges in saline soils due to increased
sodium uptake, impeding its growth and yield. Nevertheless, treating eggplant seeds
with PGPR, like Xanthobacter autotrophicus BM13, Enterobacter aerogenes BM10
and Bacillus brevis FK2, resulted in reduced sodium uptake and increased
potassium uptake, ultimately enhancing plant growth.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is particularly sensitive to abiotic stress

(Azarmi- Atajan et al. 2020), and its shallow root system heightens its vulnerability
to water deficit as it grows. Julia et al. 2020 applied a biofertilizer comprising
Macrocystis pyrifera algal extracts and the PGPR Azospirillum brasilense, which led
to improved germination rates and lettuce growth in saline conditions. In a separate
study, PGPR- inoculated lettuce exhibited higher phenolic and flavonoid
content compared to
 251

uninoculated plants under greenhouse conditions (Ayuso-Calles et al. 2020). Bacillus

and Pseudomonas spp. demonstrated an ability to enhance salt tolerance in lettuce.

Finally, okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench), a vegetable rich in vitamins and

minerals, holds great significance for diabetic individuals. Pseudomonas spp.
colonize the rhizo-spheric region of okra roots and contribute to increased plant
growth.

Table 1. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) used as

biofertilizers in vegetable production

PGPR Vegetable Mode of Effect on crops References

crop treatment
Alcaligenes faecalis Spinacia Soil treatment Mitigated lead Zafar-Ul-Hye
and Bacillus oleracea toxicity et al. 2020
amyloliquefaciens
B. pumilus SE34 Solanum Seed treatment Induced systemic Yan et al. 2002
lycopersicum response during
infection
PGPR Bacillus C. annuum Seedling Increased Gupta et al.
subtilis (RS2) and treatment productivity 2017
Bacillus spp. (RS7)
Pseudomonas spp. Vigna radiate Seed treatment Increased plant Ahemad et al.
PS1 biomass, yield, 2011
and protein
content
Pseudomona Solanum Soil treatment Protection from Kuarabachew
s tuberosu Ralstonia et al. 2007
fluorescens m solanacearum
pathogen.
Reduced bacterial
wilt incidence
and improved
growth

Enhancing Vegetable Production through Nitrogen-Fixing Plant Growth-

Promoting Rhizobacteria: An Overview

Traditional growers often resort to higher doses of chemical fertilizers to achieve

abundant yields and high-quality vegetables. However, this practice is costly and
detrimental to the environment. Recognizing the threat posed by excessive
fertilizer
 252

use to soil health and vegetable production, growers have expressed interest in
adopting nitrogen-fixing PGPR (Ziaf et al., 2016) which are eco-friendly and
sustainable alternatives. The application of these nitrogen-fixing PGPR in vegetable
production presents an appealing option to replace chemical fertilizers, pesticides and
other supplements. Nitrogen-fixing organisms, including both symbiotic rhizobia
and non-symbiotic/associative nitrogen fixers like Azotobacter or Azospirillum have
been traditionally employed as biofertilizers to provide nitrogen to legumes and
cereals, among other crops. Among the non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria,
Azotobacter and Azospirillum have been widely utilized to enhance vegetable
production (Doifode and Nandkar 2014). The favorable impacts of Azotobacter and
Azospirillum are primarily attributed to improvements in root development,
increased water and mineral uptake by roots, displacement of harmful fungi and
plant-pathogenic bacteria, and to a lesser extent, biological nitrogen fixation. Besides
nitrogen fixation, Azotobacter also produces and releases significant quantities of
biologically active compounds like B vitamins, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid,
biotin, heteroxins, gibberellins, which promote plant root growth. Another notable
trait of the Azotobacter association with crop enhancement is the release of
ammonia in the rhizosphere in the presence of root exudates, aiding in the
modification of nutrient uptake by plants. Azospirillum, on the other hand, not
only fixes nitrogen but also produces plant growth-regulating substances, which
along with nitrogen fixation, stimulate plant growth and consequently increase
productivity. Considering these factors, nitrogen-fixing PGPR for non-legumes,
especially in vegetable production (Table 2), have garnered significant attention
in recent years. These PGPR have been found to colonize and thrive in the
rhizosphere of non-legume plants, acting as growth- promoting rhizobacteria both
in the rhizosphere of non-host legumes and non- legume plants. When used alone
or in combination with other free-living PGPR, nitrogen-fixing plant growth-
promoting rhizobacteria have led to a substantial increase in vegetable production.
Mechanistically, as inoculants, nitrogen-fixing PGPR aid in vegetable growth
through mechanisms beyond nitrogen fixation. When used in combination,
composite nitrogen-fixers offer numerous benefits to crops in addition to their
usual physiological function of nitrogen fixation. As a result, the synergistic effects
of nitrogen-fixers and other free-living PGPR/AM fungi have proven more
effective than single inoculation, significantly boosting vegetable production due
to increased synthesis of phytohormones and improved nutrient absorption and
mobilization. For instance, the combined application of rhizobia
(Bradyrhizobium japonicum), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and mineral fertilizers (urea
and potash) have been reported to mitigate the detrimental effects of root-rotting
fungi and root-knot nematodes, consequently leading to enhanced tomato
production. In conclusion,
 253

owing to their versatile growth-promoting activities, nitrogen-fixing organisms

can be utilized either independently or in conjunction with other free-living
PGPR/AM fungi to enhance vegetable production across various vegetable
production systems.

Table 2: Some examples of vegetable inoculation with nitrogen-fixing plant

growth-promoting rhizobacteria

Host Botanical name Inoculant nitrogen Reference

vegetables fixers
Potato Solanum tuberosum Rhizobium sp. TN42, Naqqash et al. (2016),
Azotobacter chroococcum
Radish Raphanus sativus Azotobacter + PSB Ziaf et al. (2016)
Tomato Solanum lycopersicum Bradyrhizobium El-Sirafy
japonicum; Azotobacter et al. (2010)
Okra Abelmoschus esculentus Rhizobium meliloti Tariq et al. (2007)
Eggplant Solanum melongena L. Azotobacter and Bacillus Doifode and Nandkar
Polymyxa (2014),

Cabbage Brassica oleracea Azotobacter, Azospirillum Sharma et al. (2013)

and VAM

PGPR’s Function in Mitigating Fungal and Bacterial Stress on Vegetable Crops

To combat pathogenic diseases, beneficial microorganisms like Plant Growth-

Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) employ various strategies. They secrete
extracellular enzymes and molecules that break down the microbial cell wall,
compete for nutrients in the rhizosphere, and induce Induced Systemic Resistance
(ISR) against pathogenic infections in plants. For instance, Bacillus xiamenensis
strain PM14 demonstrates wide-ranging antifungal activity against various
pathogenic fungi including Colletotrichum falcatum, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium
oxysporum, Pythium splendens, Rhizoctonia solani, and Macrophomina
phaseolina. PGPR release both diffusible and volatile antimicrobial compounds
that exert fungicidal effects on phytopathogenic fungi by either inhibiting their
growth or causing the breakdown of fungal mycelia (Xia et al. 2020). In plants,
PGPR have the capacity to produce a range of defensive compounds, including
antibiotics like iturin, surfactins, fengycin, 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG), and
phenazine. They also produce enzymes that degrade cell walls (such as protease,
chitinase, and cellulase), enzymes that promote plant growth, hormones like indole-
3-acetic acid, N-acyl-homoserine lactones, and siderophores, all of which work
together to inhibit the growth of pathogens (Ali et al.
 254

2019). Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria serve as valuable biocontrol

agents against phytopathogens. They confer disease resistance in plants either by
directly suppressing the pathogens or by stimulating the plant’s own defense
mechanisms. When plants face biotic and abiotic stresses, they respond by
generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). High levels of ROS can lead to
oxidative damage and disrupt cellular balance. To counteract this, plants possess a
range of antioxidative defense enzymes like ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase
(CAT), peroxidase (PO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase,
glutathione S-transferase, and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX). These enzymes work to
scavenge and convert ROS into harmless byproducts, thus shielding cells from
oxidative harm. Additionally, plants produce various antioxidant molecules, including
carotenoids and phenylpropanoids, to combat oxidative damage. Induced systemic
resistance equips host plants with the ability to resist pathogen colonization by
activating defense-related antioxidative enzymes and producing defensive molecules
(Bhattacharyya et al. 2020). Furthermore, during biotic stresses, PGPR employ
additional mechanisms such as the production of cell-wall-degrading enzymes like
-1-3-glucanase, chitinase, and xylosidase, as well as the release of volatile organic
compounds and diffusible antibiotics, all of which play crucial roles in mitigating
biotic stressors.

Role of PGPR against Abiotic Stress in Vegetable Crops

PGPR induce physiological and chemical alterations in plants that bolster their
ability to withstand environmental stresses, encompassing drought, salinity, cold,
high temperatures, and exposure to heavy metals. This phenomenon is referred to
as induced systemic tolerance (IST). Environmental stressors, particularly
drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures, significantly hinder plant growth,
leading to decreased biomass production and reduced yields of vital food crops,
sometimes by as much as 70%. These adverse effects on agricultural output pose a
substantial threat to global food security (Vejan et al. 2016). Consequently, the
utilization of PGPR in mitigating abiotic stresses has garnered extensive research
attention.

Conclusion
Vegetables play a crucial role in maintaining human health, offering a rich array of
essential nutrients including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, beta-carotene,
vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K and antioxidants. Similar to
many other crops, vegetables face threats from both biotic and abiotic stresses. As
a result, scientists and vegetable cultivators are actively engaged in devising diverse
strategies to combat these challenges. Among the array of approaches, the adoption
 255
of
 256

plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in agricultural practices has

garnered significant attention. It remains evident that there is still no definitive
consensus on the unequivocal benefits and environmentally-friendly impact of
PGPR in establishing sustainable agriculture worldwide. Nevertheless, several
hurdles must be surmounted to fully harness the potential of this technology. Chief
among these concerns is the lack of uniformity and variability in responses. The
utilization of nitrogen-fixing bacteria as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria
(PGPR) offers several key advantages. These include the straightforward
availability of the technology for producing inoculants and for seed inoculation, as
well as a well-developed understanding of the functional diversity and genetic
characteristics of these bacteria. Furthermore, their longstanding use in agronomic
practices without any reported adverse effects positions them as environmentally-
friendly PGPR, particularly for non-leguminous plants.

References
A. Zaidi, M. S. Khan (eds.), Microbial Strategies for Vegetable Production. Springer
International Publishing AG 2017, 4: 2,3
Agbodjato, N.A.; Noumavo, P.A.; Baba-Moussa, F.; Salami, H.A.; Sina, H.; Sèzan, A.;
Bankolé, H.; Adjanohoun, A.; Baba-Moussa, L. Characterization of Potential Plant
Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolated from Maize (Zea mays L.) in Central and
Northern Benin (West Africa). Appl. Environ. Soil Sci. 2015, 2015, 1–9. [CrossRef ]
Ahemad, M. and M. Kibret. 2014. Mechanisms and applications of plant growth
promoting rhizobacteria: Current perspective. Journal of King Saud University-
Science 26:1-20.
Ahemad, M.; Khan, M.S. Productivity of greengram in tebuconazole-stressed soil, by
using a tolerant and plant growth-promoting Bradyrhizobium sp. MRM6 strain. Acta
Physiol. Plant. 2011, 34, 245–254. [CrossRef ]
Ali, A.M.; Awad, M.Y.M.; Hegab, S.A.; El Gawad, A.M.A.; Eissa, M.A. Effect of
potassium solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus cereus) on growth and yield of potato. J. Plant
Nutr. 2020, 44, 411–420. [CrossRef ]
Ali, S.; Hameed, S.; Shahid, M.; Iqbal, M.; Lazarovits, G.; Imran, A. Functional
characterization of potential PGPR exhibiting broad-spectrum antifungal activity.
Microbiol. Res. 2019, 232, 126389. [CrossRef ] [PubMed]
Altunta¸s, A. Comparative study on the effects of different conventional, organic and bio-
fertilizers on broccoli yield and quality. Appl. Ecol. Environ. Res. 2018, 16, 1595–1608.
[CrossRef ]
Ashraf M, Ahmad MSA, Öztürk M, Aksoy A (2012). Crop improvement through
different means: challenges and prospects. In: Ashraf M et al (eds) Crop production for
agricultural improvement. Springer Science + Business Media BV, Dordrecht,
Netherlands, pp 1–15
 257

Ayuso-Calles, M.; García-Estévez, I.; Jiménez-Gómez, A.; Flores-Félix, J.D.; Escribano-

Bailón, M.T.; Rivas, R. Rhizobium laguerreae Improves Productivity and Phenolic
Compound Content of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under Saline Stress Conditions.
Foods 2020, 9, 1166. [CrossRef ] [PubMed]
Azarmi-Atajan, F.; Sayyari-Zohan, M.H. Alleviation of salt stress in lettuce (Lactuca
sativa L.) by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. J. Hortic. Postharvest. Res. 2020, 3,
67–78. [CrossRef ]
Bhattacharyya, C.; Banerjee, S.; Acharya, U.; Mitra, A.; Mallick, I.; Haldar, A.; Haldar,
S.; Ghosh, A.; Ghosh, A. Evaluation of plant growth promotion properties and
induction of antioxidative defense mechanism by tea rhizobacteria of Darjeeling, India.
Sci. Rep. 2020, 10, 1–19. [CrossRef ]
Bhattacharyya, P.N. and D.K. Jha. 2012. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR):
Emergence in agriculture. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 28:1327
1350.
Doifode VD, Nandkar PB (2014) Influence of biofertilizers on the growth, yield and
quality of brinjal crop. Int J Life Sci.A2:17–20
El-Sirafy MZ, Sarhan SH, Abd-El Hafez AA, Baddour AGA (2010). Effect of the interaction
Gupta, S.; Kaushal, R.; Spehia, R.S.; Pathania, S.S.; Sharma, V. Productivity of capsicum
influenced by conjoint application of isolated indigenous PGPR and chemical fertilizers.
J. Plant Nutr. 2017, 40, 921–927. [CrossRef ]
Julia, I.; Oscar, M.; Analía, L.; Guilherme, J.Z.; Virginia, L. Biofertilization with
Macrocystis pyrifera algae extracts combined with PGPR-enhanced growth in
Lactuca sativa seedlings. Environ. Boil. Fishes 2020, 32, 4361–4371. [CrossRef ]
Kuarabachew, H.; Assefa, F.; Hiskias, Y. Evaluation of ethiopian isolates of
Pseudomonas fluorescens as biocontrol agent against potato bacterial wilt caused by
Ralstonia (Pseudomonas) solanacearum. Acta Agric. Slov. 2007, 2, 125–135.
Kumar, M.; Giri, V. P.; Pandey, S.; Gupta, A.; Patel, M.K.; Bajpai, A. B.; Jenkins, S and
Siddique, K.H.M. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria emerging as an effective
bioinoculant to improve the growth, production and stress tolerance of vegetable crops.
Int. J. Mol. Sci. (2021). 22, 12245.
Kumar, S.; Kumar, S.; Maji, S.; Pandey, V.K. Effect of inorganic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers
on growth, yield and quality of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Int. J. Plant Sci. 2016, 11,
71–74. [CrossRef ]
Kushwaha, A.; Baily, S.B.; Maxton, A.; Ram, G.D. Isolation and characterization of
PGPR associated with cauliflower roots and its effect on plant growth. Bioscan 2013, 8,
95–99.
Landa BB, Montes-Borrego M, Navas-Cortés JA (2013). Use of PGPR for controlling
soilborne fungal pathogens: assessing the factors influencing its efficacy. In:
Maheshwari
 258

DK (ed) Bacteria in agrobiology: disease management. Springer-Verlag, Berlin

Heidelberg, pp 259–292
Moncada, A.; Vetrano, F.; Esposito, A.; Miceli, A. Fertigation Management and Growth-
Promoting Treatments Affect Tomato Transplant Production and Plant Growth after
Transplant. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1504. [CrossRef ]
Nabi, R.B.S.; Shahzad, R.; Tayade, R.; Shahid, M.; Hussain, A.; Ali, M.W.; Yun, B.-W.
Evaluation potential of PGPR to protect tomato against Fusarium wilt and promote
plant growth. Peer J 2021, 9, e11194. [CrossRef ] [PubMed]
Naqqash T, Hameed S, Imran A et al (2016). Differential response of potato toward
inoculation with taxonomically diverse plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Front
Plant Sci. 7:144
Nichols M, Hilmi M (2009). Growing vegetables for home and market. Diversification
booklet number 11. FAO, Rome, Italy
Rijavec, T.; Lapanje, A. Hydrogen Cyanide in the Rhizosphere: Not Suppressing Plant
Pathogens, but Rather Regulating Availability of Phosphate. Front. Microbiol.
2016, 7, 1785. [CrossRef ] [PubMed]
Shahid, M.; Zaidi, A.; Khan, M.S.; Rizvi, A.; Saif, S.; Ahmed, B. Recent Advances in
Management Strategies of Vegetable Diseases. Microbial Strategies for Vegetable
Production; Springer: Cham, Switzerland, 2017; pp. 197–226. [CrossRef ]
Sharma D, Singh RK, Parmar AS (2013) Effect of doses of biofertilizers on the growth
and production of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Var. Capitata). TECHNOFAME-J
Multidiscipl. Adv Res. 2:30–33
Singh, R.P.; Jha, P.N. The PGPR Stenotrophomonas maltophilia SBP-9 Augments Resistance
against Biotic and Abiotic Stress in Wheat Plants. Front. Microbiol. 2017, 8, 1945.
[CrossRef ] [PubMed]
Tariq M, Dawar S, Mehdi FS (2007) Antagonistic activity of bacterial inoculum
multiplied on Rhizophora mucronata Lamk., in the control of root infecting fungi on
mash bean and okra. Pak J Bot .39:2159–2165
Tariq, M.; Ali, Q.; Khan, A.; Khan, G.A.; Rashid, B. “Advancements in Life Sciences”
Yield potential study of Capsicum annuum L. under the application of PGPR. Adv.
Life Sci. 2014, 1, 202–207.
Vejan, P.; Abdullah, R.; Khadiran, T.; Ismail, S.; Boyce, A.N. Role of Plant Growth
Promoting Rhizobacteria in Agricultural Sustainability—A Review. Molecules
2016, 21, 573. [CrossRef ]
Xia, Y.; Farooq, A.; Javed, M.T.; Kamran, M.A.; Mukhtar, T.; Ali, J.; Tabassum, T.;
Rehman, S.U.; Munis, M.F.H.; Sultan, T.; Multi-stress tolerant PGPR Bacillus
xiamenensis PM14 activating sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) red rot disease
resistance. Plant Physiol. Biochem. 2020, 151, 640–649. [CrossRef ]
 259

Yan, Z.; Reddy, M.S.; Ryu, C.-M.; McInroy, J.A.; Wilson, M.; Kloepper, J.W. Induced Systemic Protection
Against Tomato Late Blight Elicited by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria. Phytopathology 2002,
92, 1329–1333. [CrossRef ] [PubMed]
Zafar-Ul-Hye, M.; Tahzeeb-Ul-Hassan, M.; Abid, M.; Fahad, S.; Brtnicky, M.; Dokulilova, T.; Datta, R.;
Danish, S. Potential role of compost mixed biochar with rhizobacteria in mitigating lead toxicity in
spinach. Sci. Rep. 2020, 10, 12159. [CrossRef ]
Ziaf K, Latif U, Amjad M et al (2016). Combined use of microbial and synthetic amendments can improve
radish (Raphanus sativus) yield. J Environ Agric Sci. 6:10–15