How do plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) help increase crop yield?

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that inhabit the rhizosphere, which is the area of soil directly surrounding plant roots. They play a significant role in enhancing crop yield through several mechanisms, primarily by promoting nutrient uptake and providing resistance to diseases.

PGPR improve nutrient uptake by increasing the availability and solubility of essential nutrients, such as phosphorous and nitrogen. They can facilitate processes such as nitrogen fixation, wherein certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can absorb and utilize. Additionally, PGPR can help in the solubilization of nutrients bound in the soil, making them more accessible to plants. This enhanced nutrient availability leads to improved plant growth and overall crop yield.

Furthermore, PGPR can enhance a plant's disease resistance by inducing systemic resistance, meaning that their presence can trigger a plant's defenses against pathogens even before exposure. Some strains of PGPR produce antimicrobial compounds that can inhibit the growth of harmful organisms, directly reducing the incidence of diseases.

By focusing on nutrient uptake and disease resistance, PGPR create a more conducive environment for plants to thrive, ultimately leading to higher crop yields. This reflects the increasing interest in sustainable agricultural practices that leverage biological processes to enhance productivity while reducing reliance on chemical inputs