Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

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.