Title : Improving crop yield and disease resistance with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR): A green approach
Abstract:
Increased global demand for food and environmental concerns about chemical fertilizers and pesticides justify eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are proving to be a great alternative in eco-friendly approaches that improve disease resistance in crops as well as boost their yield. This research investigates the effect of PGPR inoculation on growth, nutrient acquisition, and defense responses of chosen crop plants. A controlled field trial was carried out with different PGPR strains, such as Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens, inoculated on wheat (Triticum aestivum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. Findings show a remarkable enhancement in biomass, chlorophyll content, and root length in PGPR-inoculated plants compared to uninoculated controls. Additionally, biochemical studies indicated increased production of defense enzymes like peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase, indicating better resistance to pathogen attacks. These results demonstrate the promise of PGPR as a biofertilizer and biocontrol agent, supporting sustainable agriculture through the minimization of chemical use. More studies on strain-specific interactions and field-level applications may open the door for large-scale use in contemporary farming systems.
Key words: PGPR, Sustainable Agriculture, Biocontrol, Biofertilizer, Crop Yield, Plant-Microbe Interaction
