The potential to use rhizobacteria within agricultural innovations instead of chemical inputs : taking quality and quantity of the crop into consideration

Abstract: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are soil bacteria that occur naturally, colonize the roots of plants and can promote plant growth. PGPR isolated and used as inoculum to seed or plants is mostly marketed as a growth stimulant because it facilitates registration and reduces costs, even though PGPR may also serve as biocontrol products. An example of its effect as a growth stimulant is that it can stimulate an increased growth of lateral roots, which in itself leads to e.g. increased water and mineral uptake and thus a stronger plant. Quantity and quality effects of crops harvested on PGPR treated material will be addressed in this work and will be focussed on food crops. Possible conflicts with organic production will also be addressed. Use in climates like Swedish conditions will be the main focus, however comparisons will be made between Sweden and a global scale. It will be discussed when PGPR will be used to a greater extent, what is required to get there and what knowledge gaps there are. This literature study was conducted by collection of data and search of scientific literature in databases. In conclusion, several of the studies have shown that both the quality and quantity are not only maintained with the use of PGPR, but also improved.