Magnitude and mechanism of siderophore as a potential tool in eco friendly agriculture

Siderophores are low molecular weight metal chelating agents which are produced by plants and microorganisms in Fe- limiting conditions. These Siderophores chelate iron and supply to bacterial cell by outer membrane receptors. There is a wide variable seen in siderophore nature and functions from bacterial species to species. Isolation of siderophore agent can only be obtained under Fe restricted media. Siderophore and their derivative have large application in agriculture starting from soil fertility, bio control agent, plant growth promoter and also as a bio remediation against heavy metals. There is still a lot way further to research its mechanism and mode of function so that to explore its potentiality in fields other than agriculture also for plant and human benefits.