Journal of Applied Biology and Biotechnology
Open Access
SCOPUSWeb of Science
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue: 6

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria as biostimulants for plant and soil health: Current research and future challenges

  • Author:
  • Vinay Kumar Dhiman1, Neerja Rana1, Vivek Kumar Dhiman2, Avinash Sharma3, Himanshu Pandey4, Devendra Singh5,*, Paridhi Puri6, Neelam Yadav7, Narinderpal Kaur8, Sarvesh Rustagi9, Sheikh Shreaz10, Rajeshwari Negi11, Ajar Nath Yadav11,12,**
  • Total Page Count: 13
  • Published Online: Jan 8, 2026
  • Page Number: 21 to 33

1Department of Basic Sciences, College of Forestry, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, India

10Desert Agriculture and Ecosystem Department, Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Safat, Kuwait

11Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, India

12Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

2Department of Biotechnology, College of Horticulture, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, India

3Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Arunachal University of Studies, Namsai, India

4Department of Agriculture, Khalsa College, Amritsar, India

5Faculty of Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, India

6University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India

7Centre for Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India

8Chitkara Centre for Research and Development, Chitkara University, Rajpura, India

9Department of Food Technology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Dehradun, India

*Corresponding Authors: Devendra Singh, Faculty of Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, India, E-mail: devendrasingh.ibst@srmu.ac.in

**Ajar Nath Yadav, Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, Dr. Khem Singh Gill Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, India, E-mail: ajar@eternaluniversity.edu.in

Online Published on 08 January, 2026.

Abstract

Governments, as well as growers, are working to reduce chemical uses in agricultural systems. In recent years, agricultural practices have resulted in an increase in the harmful chemical substances of rivers and underground water, as well as the salinization of soils. Solutions are therefore needed to maintain crop yield while also lowering chemical inputs such as chemical pesticides and fertilizers. One method for achieving the aforementioned desired practices is the employment of microorganisms in the soil that improve efficiency as well as nutrient uptake. The Intentional incorporation of soil microbes in crops is crucial to overcoming the challenge of boosting food production while significantly reducing pesticide usage, and environmental contamination and enhancing the productivity of natural resources. Microorganisms are capable of adapting and adjusting to the environment rather than surviving their surroundings. Plants are inhabited by microorganisms that have evolved to promote soil health through nutrient-recycling abilities. The plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been investigated since the turn of the 20th century, and their physiological mode of action is now well established. PGPR have been recognized as essential growth-promoting traits with respect to their nutrient solubilizing, disease-resistant antagonistic ability, trigger and stimulating plant immunity, colonization, and adaptivity with rhizosphere and stress response. Together, these traits make them great in assisting living organisms formidably resistant and important for improving plant and soil health. The present review deals with the role of PGPR and their significance in encouraging the growth of plants for agriculture sustainability.

Keywords

Crop Yield, Metabolites, Microbes, PGPR, Plant Immunity, Sustainability