Biography:

Dr. Qiaoyun Huang is a Changjiang Scholar Professor, Distinguished Young Scholar of NSFC, professor of environmental microbiology at Faculty of Resources and Environment, Vice Director of State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, China. His research focuses on the interfacial processes of soil mineral-organic matter-microorganism interactions and environmental impacts. He has published more than 140 referred SCI papers. He is currently the vice chairman of Commission 2.5 of International Union of Soil Sciences, and the executive member of the International Advisory Committee of International Society for Environmental Biogeochemistry. He was the Chairman of the 4^th International Symposium on Interactions of Soil Minerals with Organic Matter and Microorganisms and the 21^st International Symposium on Environmental Biogeochemistry. He serves as the editorial member for several international journals such as Applied Soil Ecology, Journal of Soils & Sediments, Frontier in Microbiology and Geomicrobiology Journal.

Abstract:

Bacteria, phyllosilicates and iron oxides are widely distributed in soils and sediments. They are the most reactive and finest colloidal components in these systems. Bacteria are commonly found together with phyllosilicate minerals or oxides to form various composites and complexes which alter soil physicochemical properties, and further affect their metal-binding behaviors. Research done over the past decades has greatly improved our understanding with respect to the mechanisms of the interfacial reactions between bacteria and clay minerals, impacts of clay minerals on bacterial activity, biosorption and modeling of metals on bacteria-mineral composites. More studies from molecular level are needed in order to enhance the ability of bacteria and their association with soil components to remediate toxic metals-contaminated soils. The focus of future investigations should be on the mechanisms by which metals are sorbed and bound by bacterial cell surfaces and bacteria-soil/mineral composites. Atomic force microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and nano secondary ion mass spectrometry are promising techniques which can provide information about the dynamic morphology and elemental distributions of mineral-bacteria interactions, the number and type of near-neighbors for the metals of interest together with estimates of bond distances. Another research imperative is to isolate bacteria from a variety of contaminated soils and associated environments, and elucidate the mechanisms of their tolerance to toxic metals. Molecular biotechnologies, notably DNA recombinant technology for bacterial surface display can yield highly sorptive bacteria. The impact of these bacteria on the binding and distribution of toxic metals at the interface of the bacteria-soil compo-site/solution interface is worthwhile investigating. Equally important is the association of heavy metal-resistant bacteria with hyperaccumulator plants and its potential in remediating toxic metal-polluted soils.

Biography:

For being B.Sc. (Ag) and M.Sc.(Ag) from BHU, he was awarded Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry by Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi in 1992. He started his academic career as Sr. Research Assistant followed by UGC- Reasearch Associate at BHU. After that he joined DRDO as Scientist ‘C’ in 1996 at IAT, Pune and finally served Defence Agricultural Reasearch Laboratory, now Defence Institute of Bio Energy Research, Pithoragargh, Uttarakhand. There he worked as Officer-in-Charge of DARL Field Stations at Arabachauhan (Barmer) and Auli (Joshimath). He joined as lecturer in 2003, became Reader in 2004 and presently serving as Professor in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India. The area of his research of interest has been soil microbiology / microbial biotechnology / organic farming / soil fertility with emphasis on development of quality plant growth promoting rhizobacteria using molecular tools and techniques to enhance crop production and maintenance of soil health under organic and integrated nutrient management system in Indo-gangatic plains of India. During his tenure in DRDO, he, first time, studied the soils of Leh and Ladakh. In addition to propagation of medicinal plants including seabuckthorn, agriculture and environmental warfare, development of technologies for season / off-season (protected) vegetables and their dissemination to the locals and Jawans of army unites staying at high altitude were his interest area of research work. However, he is still involved in revival of cold desert soils of Himalayan region by means of bioinoculants. Besides executing 12 research projects, guiding 10 Ph.D. and 27 M.Sc. (Ag) students at BHU he has published more than 100 research papers in journals of national and international repute, 7 book chapters and may popular articles. Dr. Yadav is presently acting as reviewer of research papers in many journals of national and international repute. He joined 20th World Soil Science Congress held at Jeju, South Korea during 2014 and he has been a recipient of Fellow of Uttar Pradesh Academy of Agricultural Sciences, BHU-Research Fellowship, UGC-Post Doctoral Fellowship, Award of “Best Research Paper by DRDO. Besides serving as member of different committees of administrative bodies in BHU, he has also been elected as Councilor of Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi for the year of 2009 and 2010

Abstract:

The soils of arid temperate regions of Leh valley, situated an elevation of more than 3000m  in J&K, India, are poorly developed under influence of climatic factors (where mean monthly temperature varies from of 27.8 ⁰C to – 14.3 ⁰C and sometimes falls to -30 ⁰C), geomorphic processes aided by glacial drift and geolithology. Most of the soils of this valley have more than 35% coarse fragments (skeletal), calcareous, neutral to alkaline in reaction, very low content of organic carbon, available N and P and classified as Sandy-skeletal (calcareous) Typic Eutrocypts.  Under such circumstances, microbial activities and nutrients cycling of added organic manure / fertilizers in soil are very poor and consequently grown vegetable crop give less response to nutrients. By principle, dynamic properties of soils can be improved by application of beneficial microbes. Therefore, efforts were made to revive the soils of Leh valley by isolation, selection and application of quality plant probiotics (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) with cultivation of vegetables particularly tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Selection of effective plant probiotic strains of Pseudomonas trivialis (JY-01, JY-05), Pseudomonas sp. (JY-02, 03, 04, 07, and JY -11), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (BHUPSB-02), P.fluorescens (BHUPSB-06) and Bacillus subtilis (BHUPSB-13) was done on the basis of biochemical, plant growth promoting properties and molecular characterization of many rhizosphere bacteria isolated from the soils of Leh valley. Further, isolation and selection of Frankia strain FL-1(symbiotic N₂-fixer) was done from the root nodules of non-leguminous Seabuckthorn (Hippophae spp.) shrubs wildly grown in Leh valley. This strain of Frankia was showing plant growth promoting properties and synergistic relationship with above plant probiotic strains. During the interaction study, Frankia isolate (FL-1) and B. subtilis (BHUPSB-13) were showing inhibitory effect on both Ralstonia solanacearum ( causing root wilt) and Fusarium oxysporum lycopersici (causing stem wilt) in tomato under in-vitro condition.  Therefore, based on Theory of Koch Pastulate, a pot experiment was conducted on tomato Var. Kashiamrit with 12 treatments in triplicate under CRBD at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during kharif 2014-15 to see the effect of P. fluorescens, B. subtilis and Frankia, separately and in combination, to control the infestation of wilt causing pathogen and promotion of growth and yield. Observation after 10 days of infestation showed that the plants without pretreated with PGPR were showing much more infestation and few of plants died completely in separate or combined treatments of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Though, B. subtilis, P. fluorescens and Frankia (FL-1) were effective, separately or in combination, to control the infestation of both pathogens but B. subtilis was more effective to control bacterial pathogen while, Frankia isolate (FL-1) was effective not only to controlling both pathogens but also for higher plant growth and early flowering in the tomato plant.  However, combined effect of B. subtilis and Frankia had given significantly better performance of disease control, growth and fruit yield of tomato in comparison of individual inoculants.

            These strains of plant probiotics are now being used by different agricultural laboratories and other stakeholders involved in cultivation of tomato and other vegetables in Leh valley. Though, there is need of further study but results of improvement in rhizosphere microflora, soil microbial biomass carbon, hydrogenase and phosphtase enzymic activities high yield of tomato under inoculated conditions conferred that the plant probiotic consortium of  Pseudomonas trivialis (JY-01, JY-05), Pseudomonas sp. (JY-02, 03, 04, 07, and JY -11), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (BHUPSB-02), P.fluorescens (BHUPSB-06) and Bacillus subtilis (BHUPSB-13) would be useful to revive the soils of Leh valley for cultivation of tomato as well as other vegetables.

Biography:

For being B.Sc. (Ag) and M.Sc.(Ag) from BHU, he was awarded Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry by Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi in 1992. He started his academic career as Sr. Research Assistant followed by UGC- Reasearch Associate at BHU. After that he joined DRDO as Scientist ‘C’ in 1996 at IAT, Pune and finally served Defence Agricultural Reasearch Laboratory, now Defence Institute of Bio Energy Research, Pithoragargh, Uttarakhand. There he worked as Officer-in-Charge of DARL Field Stations at Arabachauhan (Barmer) and Auli (Joshimath). He joined as lecturer in 2003, became Reader in 2004 and presently serving as Professor in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India. The area of his research of interest has been soil microbiology / microbial biotechnology / organic farming / soil fertility with emphasis on development of quality plant growth promoting rhizobacteria using molecular tools and techniques to enhance crop production and maintenance of soil health under organic and integrated nutrient management system in Indo-gangatic plains of India. During his tenure in DRDO, he, first time, studied the soils of Leh and Ladakh. In addition to propagation of medicinal plants including seabuckthorn, agriculture and environmental warfare, development of technologies for season / off-season (protected) vegetables and their dissemination to the locals and Jawans of army unites staying at high altitude were his interest area of research work. However, he is still involved in revival of cold desert soils of Himalayan region by means of bioinoculants. Besides executing 12 research projects, guiding 10 Ph.D. and 27 M.Sc. (Ag) students at BHU he has published more than 100 research papers in journals of national and international repute, 7 book chapters and may popular articles. Dr. Yadav is presently acting as reviewer of research papers in many journals of national and international repute. He joined 20th World Soil Science Congress held at Jeju, South Korea during 2014 and he has been a recipient of Fellow of Uttar Pradesh Academy of Agricultural Sciences, BHU-Research Fellowship, UGC-Post Doctoral Fellowship, Award of “Best Research Paper by DRDO. Besides serving as member of different committees of administrative bodies in BHU, he has also been elected as Councilor of Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi for the year of 2009 and 2010

Abstract:

The soils of arid temperate regions of Leh valley, situated an elevation of more than 3000m  in J&K, India, are poorly developed under influence of climatic factors (where mean monthly temperature varies from of 27.8 ⁰C to – 14.3 ⁰C and sometimes falls to -30 ⁰C), geomorphic processes aided by glacial drift and geolithology. Most of the soils of this valley have more than 35% coarse fragments (skeletal), calcareous, neutral to alkaline in reaction, very low content of organic carbon, available N and P and classified as Sandy-skeletal (calcareous) Typic Eutrocypts.  Under such circumstances, microbial activities and nutrients cycling of added organic manure / fertilizers in soil are very poor and consequently grown vegetable crop give less response to nutrients. By principle, dynamic properties of soils can be improved by application of beneficial microbes. Therefore, efforts were made to revive the soils of Leh valley by isolation, selection and application of quality plant probiotics (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) with cultivation of vegetables particularly tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Selection of effective plant probiotic strains of Pseudomonas trivialis (JY-01, JY-05), Pseudomonas sp. (JY-02, 03, 04, 07, and JY -11), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (BHUPSB-02), P.fluorescens (BHUPSB-06) and Bacillus subtilis (BHUPSB-13) was done on the basis of biochemical, plant growth promoting properties and molecular characterization of many rhizosphere bacteria isolated from the soils of Leh valley. Further, isolation and selection of Frankia strain FL-1(symbiotic N₂-fixer) was done from the root nodules of non-leguminous Seabuckthorn (Hippophae spp.) shrubs wildly grown in Leh valley. This strain of Frankia was showing plant growth promoting properties and synergistic relationship with above plant probiotic strains. During the interaction study, Frankia isolate (FL-1) and B. subtilis (BHUPSB-13) were showing inhibitory effect on both Ralstonia solanacearum ( causing root wilt) and Fusarium oxysporum lycopersici (causing stem wilt) in tomato under in-vitro condition.  Therefore, based on Theory of Koch Pastulate, a pot experiment was conducted on tomato Var. Kashiamrit with 12 treatments in triplicate under CRBD at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi during kharif 2014-15 to see the effect of P. fluorescens, B. subtilis and Frankia, separately and in combination, to control the infestation of wilt causing pathogen and promotion of growth and yield. Observation after 10 days of infestation showed that the plants without pretreated with PGPR were showing much more infestation and few of plants died completely in separate or combined treatments of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Though, B. subtilis, P. fluorescens and Frankia (FL-1) were effective, separately or in combination, to control the infestation of both pathogens but B. subtilis was more effective to control bacterial pathogen while, Frankia isolate (FL-1) was effective not only to controlling both pathogens but also for higher plant growth and early flowering in the tomato plant.  However, combined effect of B. subtilis and Frankia had given significantly better performance of disease control, growth and fruit yield of tomato in comparison of individual inoculants.

            These strains of plant probiotics are now being used by different agricultural laboratories and other stakeholders involved in cultivation of tomato and other vegetables in Leh valley. Though, there is need of further study but results of improvement in rhizosphere microflora, soil microbial biomass carbon, hydrogenase and phosphtase enzymic activities high yield of tomato under inoculated conditions conferred that the plant probiotic consortium of  Pseudomonas trivialis (JY-01, JY-05), Pseudomonas sp. (JY-02, 03, 04, 07, and JY -11), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (BHUPSB-02), P.fluorescens (BHUPSB-06) and Bacillus subtilis (BHUPSB-13) would be useful to revive the soils of Leh valley for cultivation of tomato as well as other vegetables.

Biography:

Professor Amadou Hamadoun Babana, with an MSc and PhD in agricultural microbiology from Laval University, has his expertise in soil-plant-microorganisms interactions in improving plant production and protection. His research activities are based on the optimization of microbial communities of soils and plants to formulate biofertiliser and biopesticides to support global food production. He has built this technology after years of experience in research on the exploitation soil and plant microbial genetic diversity to improve plant mineral use efficiencies and plant protection against pathogens and diseases. His research is based on the methodology to access microbiomes and make diverse microbial communities support resilience productivity. This approach shoved a great potential for crop improvement and enhanced yield.

Abstract:

Cereals, mainly produced by small farmers, are important basic food of West African people. Unfortunately, these farmers lose more than 60% of their production mainly because of plant diseases and soil mineral deficiencies. In Africa, agricultural lands are suffering from multiple nutrient deficiencies. The continuous nutrient depletion and imbalance can become staggering when we consider a future need of food production for more than 9 billion of people by 2050. Use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers plays a vital role. But, repeated use of chemical destroys soil microbiota. This is more important in view of the fact that soil having low microbial content and diversity is generally poor in fertility. There is a large consensus that food security in future, will be very much linked with efficient management of soil and plant microbiomes. The purpose of this study is to support food production in an efficient, economical and sustainable manner by optimizing the use of microbial communities of soils and plants. Methodology: To improve plant nutrition and minimize diseases impact, soil and plant microbiome were studied and microorganisms with high plant growth promotion activities were selected and used to formulate biofertiliser and biopesticides, which were tested in greenhouse and field for their efficacy. Findings: Malian soils contain an abundant and divers microorganisms, but a small number solubilize natural rock phosphate. Actinomycetes isolated from natural suppressive soils were highly efficient in controlling pathogens and insect pests. A biofertiliser and a biopesticide were formulated and successfully used by farmers. Conclusion & Significance: Soil genetic biodiversity can be exploited to minimize the use of chemicals in food production and to improve crop growth and production. Recommendations are made to study the mechanisms that underlie associations between particular environments/crops and their respective microbiota under environmental and agronomical conditions.

Biography:

Dr. Jay Prakash Verma has done his M.Sc. (2006) and Ph.D. (2010) on plantmicrobes’ interaction and PGPR from Department of Botany, BHU. Presently, he is working as a Senior Assistant Professor in IESD, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India since 26 Feb, 2011. He is presently a Visiting fellow at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia and his research work on the core microbiome of cotton plants at Western Sydney University since 1 Dec, 2017 to 31 July, 2018.He has more than 11-year research expertise on rhizosphere microbes and development of effective plant growth promoting microbial consortium as biofertilizer, bio stimulators for multiple crop production. His research expertise encompasses Biofertilizer, Phytomicobiome, Bio-pesticide, PGPR, PGPF, Sustainable Agriculture, Plant-Soil-Microbe Interaction, Soil Fertility and Soil Health Management, Pesticide Degrading Microbes for bioremediation, soil molecular biology and climate resilient agricultural production, Bioethanol Production.  He has more than 75 articles that have been cited more than 1866 times (Google citations) and has a cumulative impact factor of more than 124. He has more than 8 research project related to plant-microbe interactions. He has visited Spain, Paris and Shanghai, China countries. He is serving as Technical Editor for several international and national Journals

Abstract:

The phytomicrobiome covers diversified genotype of microorganism including virus, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes, reside in various plants depends upon their plant host. These microorganisms can live in either in an individual plant or to specific plant organs (eg. Roots, shoots, leaves, seeds, nodules, sprouts of legumes, flowers, and fruits), other than that, the microorganism resides in plant rhizosphere. Nevertheless,  there is no clear picture of the complete role of phytomicrobiome, there is considerable evidence that these microbial communities are involved in enhancing nutrient acquisition, plant growth, agriculture production, stress tolerance reduce chemical input, and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Phytomicrobiome has a significantly stronger composition compared to complex and dynamic microbial environments, from which they form, which suggests a closely watched discrimination by the host of plants. The goal of phytomicrobiome is to manipulate the microbial community as beneficial consortia that will considerably enhance nutrient acquisition, reduce disease susceptibility, increase agriculture food and stress tolerance. Several approaches can be used to engineer the phytomicrobiome, but one especially promising approach is to take the advantage of naturally developed phytomicrobiome communication channels. In this review, we summarized features of microbial communities of a plant that composes the phytomicrobiome and series of microbial studies representing the substantial factor that influence the phylogenetic and functional plant-associated communities. We support the idea that is able to understand the mechanism, by which plants select and interact with associated microbial communities that can directly help the plant development and health and that can help in more sustainable agriculture.

Biography:

El Hafid NABTI was born on 06.25.1977 in Barbacha-Bejaia (Algeria). He received a Graduate Studies Diploma in Microbiology in September 2000 at the University of Bejaia. He obtained his Master Degree in Microbiology followed by a Doctorate of Sciences in Microbiology respectively in May 2003 and June 2008. He stayed at the same university where he launched his career as a lecturer and researcher. His work focuses on rhizospheric microbiology, restoration of plant growth under abiotic stress, the use of bacteria and algae in stimulating cereals growth. Biocontrol, bioremediation; Microbial ecology and agricultural microbiology are also his areas of interest.

Abstract:

Problematic: the work focused on the determination of functional diversity of soil bacteria; study their effects on seed germination and biological control of common bean (Phaseollus vulgaris L).

The identification of the isolates based on physiological and biochemical characters and BOX-PCR followed by qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of their secondary metabolites. 50 soil bacteria isolates were affected to the two groups of fluorescent Pseudomonads (76 %) and non-fluorescent Pseudomonads (24 %). The UPGMA method showed five phenons of carabon sources assimilation; at the time that BOX-PCR profiling resulted in 5 clusters characterized by 29 different applotypes. (66 %) isolates induced phosphate solubilization; (24 %) were HCN producers, (21 %) showed IAA production and all isolates had produced siderophores. In vitro antibacterial activity against Xapf results in screening of two isolates P25 P. aeruginosa characterized by an inhibition zone of (26.67±2.31 mm) and P7 P. cepatia (24±0 mm). In vivo biological control of Xapf revealed that the two isolates reduced significantly bean common blight intensity. Isolate P7 was the highest effective. Coinoculation of the two isolates was not very effective on controlling Xapf. Study of the effects of the two isolates on bean seed germination,   revealed that isolate P7 was the highest effective on seed germination and root growth properties, then isolate P25 or the coinoculation of the two bacteria. Conclusion: Bacterial isolates could play a crucial role in the biocontrol of beans and the enhancement of seed germination, thus increase crop yield.

Biography:

Pierre EKE is a scientist derived from an earlier outstanding student of university of Yaoundé I. He has dedicated his early career in identifying factors (biotic and abiotic) that threaten food crop in field in Cameroon through farms and farmers surveys. Identified constraints are thereafter subjected to tentative control using biological procedures (beneficial fungi and bacteria). Years and year’s experience and devotion has propelled myself as coordinator of the Biocontrol Agents Unit of the department of Biochemistry and justified several trainings and conferences abroad. Actually our research aims at formulating the selected biocontrol candidates and searches of potent partners worldwide. Globally, the wellbeing of African’s and world’s population through provision of enough food in face of changing climate and destructive phytopathogens is our live motif

Abstract:

Among beneficial microbial inoculants, consortia have been advocated for application in modern agriculture as they may easily overcome the rhyzospheric constraints, in addition to enhancing biocontrol efficacy through partners’ reinforcement in an additive or synergistic manner. Unfortunately, the historical antagonistic potential of Trichoderma spp. has compromised its co-operation with Arbuscular mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), misleading several attempts in building up artificial consortium between these undefeated biocontrol agents (BCA’s). The present study unveils a strategy of exploiting the beneficial traits of a Common bean endophytic Trichoderma ( Trichoderma harzianum T8) and a recently described AMF formulation (AMF2) with individual biocontrol traits for better nutrients uptake and resistance induction against Fusarium root rot (FRR) in common bean. Standard plate-based approaches, as well as sequential inoculation of BCA’s followed by colorimetric, Flame Photometry (FP) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) analyses revealed that co-inoculation of the BCA’s mobilised more zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) from the soil substrate to the plant than the BCA’s tested alone. Moreover, enhanced shoot growth (123% increase) and chlorophyll pigment synthesis (137% increase) were recorded compared to Trichoderma-treated plants. Most importantly, a substantial suppression of both disease incidence (92% protection) and severity (42.2% protection) was achieved upon combining the BCA’s, leading to 140% protective effect relative to Dithane M-45 (Mancozeb) fungicide. The Pearson correlation test depicted a negative correlation between protection rate and total phenols, total soluble flavonoids, total tannins and Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase activity (r > -0.5; P = 0.05). Meanwhile, a positive correlation was recorded with Polyphenol Oxydase activity (r > 0.5; P = 0.05). The results achieved unveil a substantial enhancement in bean plant growth and resistance against FRR mediated by a consortium of AMF2 and T. harzianum T-8. This consortium might represent a cheaper and environmental friendly alternative to agrochemicals if further developed.

Biography:

Yogesh Kumar Negi has his expertise in ‘Plant-Microbe’ interaction with a particular interest in the development of bioinoculants for small farm agriculture in Uttarakhand Himalaya in India. In a decade of his research, over 500 farmers are benefitted with site specific bioinoculants. Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas fluorescence are his choice of organisms for the development of effective formulations. With a vast work on plant growth promotion and disease management, his current focus in on enhancing the nutritive quality of the crops using the microbial friends.

Abstract:

The challenges to meet out the food requirement of the burgeoning population and plateauing productivity of agricultural lands can only be met by increasing crop productivity. Use of inorganic chemicals and fertilizers enhances the crop productivity. However, the continuous and rather irrelevant use of these chemicals is reducing the amounts of essential nutrients (Carbohydrates, amino-acids, vitamins, etc.) in the important crops. Such produce may satisfy the over all agricultural production. But, with less nutrients, such products can not be recommended to fight against malnutrition that affects around 13% of the world population. Additionally, such chemicals in long run may result in poor soil fertility, disturbed soil ecosystem and may increase environmental and groundwater pollution. Traces of such chemicals have already been reported to be deposited in agricultural produce, therefore, consumption of such products may cause serious health problems in human beings. The harmful effects of agrochemicals raised a concern among the scientific community and provoked to search other avenues to earn better productivity. One of the approaches is the use of a beneficial group of bacteria such as plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) as a bio-agents to enhance the soil fertility and crop productivity as well. PGPBs ameliorate plant health and productivity by enhancing the nutrient status of soil and host plants subsequently. The bioavailability of nutrients, their increased uptake may significantly enhance the nutrient use efficiency of plants that further contributes to increase crop yield. A significant increase in crop yield has been achieved with PGPBs application on the crop.  Studies suggest that such bacteria help the host plant to uptake the soil nutrients and upregulate the plant efficiency to accumulate and convert these nutrients into yield. Use of such effective PGPBs can also enhance the nutritive value of the crops. Higher amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids etc. have been reported in different crops in different studies. Therefore, it can be suggested that regular use of such effective PGPBs by farmers may increase the soil fertility, crop yield and its nutritive value. Ultimately, this will lead towards food and nutrition security under the organic farming framework in general, and sustainable crop production in particular.