PGPR-mediated enhancement of soil nutrients, rhizosphere microbial ecology, and plant growth: a review

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) are key bio-agents for sustainable agriculture. This review conceptualizes PGPR as rhizosphere engineers that enhance soil nutrients, restructure microbial networks, and boost plant stress tolerance. While their mechanisms are well-understood in the lab, a significant translational gap limits field efficacy due to inconsistent colonization and environmental context-dependency. We critically analyze this gap and propose integrated strategies-from advanced formulations to synthetic consortia-to unlock the reliable application of PGPR for global food security.