Diversity, Plant Growth Promoting Attributes, and Agricultural Applications of Rhizospheric Microbes

Rhizosphere harbors potential microbiomes which play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling, enhancing soil fertility, maintaining plant health and productivity. Specific microbiomes that are assembled near roots are considered to be some of the most complex ecosystems on the Earth. Heterogeneous microbial communities of rhizospheric microbiomes considerably vary by soil type, land use pattern, plant species, and host genotype. It is demonstrated that root exudates act as substrates and signaling molecules which are required for establishing plant–rhizobacterial interactions. The present chapter focused on the rhizosphere microbiomes of different agricultural crops, their functions, and possible biotechnological applications for increasing crop production in a sustainable manner. Further, the plant growth-promoting mechanisms of rhizobacteria were highlighted. Although much work has been done on the biocontrol characteristics of rhizospheric bacteria, it has to be considered that soil type, plant species, and the pathogen affect altogether influence the biocontrol efficiency of strain applied against a soil-borne pathogen.