Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) as Drivers of Rural Resilienceand Sustainable Food Systems

The resilience of rural areas and the sustainability of food systems are increasingly dependent on innovative bio-based solutions that reduce reliance on chemical inputs while enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent one of
the most promising strategies to achieve these goals. PGPR colonize the rhizosphere and root tissues, exerting beneficial effects through direct mechanisms—such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization, siderophore production, and phytohormone regulation—and indirect mechanisms including biocontrol of pathogens, stress tolerance, and induced systemic resistance.
Recent reviews highlight that PGPR-based biofertilizers can significantly improve nutrient acquisition efficiency, reduce environmental contamination, and strengthen crop resilience under abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, and heavy metal toxicity. For instance, strains of Azospirillum, Rhizobium, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas have demonstrated the ability to enhance root architecture, increase nutrient uptake, and stimulate plant immunity. Moreover, PGPR-mediated production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellins, and cytokinins directly modulates root system development, leading to improved water and nutrient absorption.
Beyond nutrient dynamics, PGPR contribute to rural resilience by reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, thereby lowering production costs and mitigating environmental degradation. Their role in mobilizing “legacy phosphorus” and improving soil structure through exopolysaccharide production further supports sustainable land management. Importantly, PGPR-based biofertilizers align with One Health principles by
promoting eco-friendly practices that benefit human, animal, and environmental health.
This contribution synthesizes evidence from recent studies (2021–2025) on PGPR colonization, bioinoculant formulation, and field application. It identifies three strategic pathways for embedding PGPR into rural development policies:
1. Biofertilizer integration – mainstreaming PGPR inoculants into agricultural subsidy schemes to reduce chemical inputs.
2. Microbial cooperatives – fostering farmer-led networks for local production and distribution of PGPR formulations.
3. Smart agriculture applications – leveraging omics and synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) to design next-generation PGPR consortia with multifarious traits.
The poster version will visualize these pathways through diagrams of PGPR mechanisms (nutrient solubilization, hormone regulation, stress tolerance), case studies of successful inoculations, and comparative charts of chemical vs. biological inputs. The full paper will expand on methodological approaches, including microbiome engineering, host-mediated microbiome selection, and field trials in Southeastern Europe. Ultimately, PGPR represent a cornerstone of resilient rural areas and sustainable food systems.
Their integration into governance and policy frameworks can transform structural challenges into opportunities for innovation, sustainability, and rural prosperity.