Plant Probiotics

Rhizobia and endophytes in plant and soil health

Rhizospheric and endophytic microbes that promote plant growth and health offer a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance plant development through various mechanisms, such as regulating nutrient balance, stimulating root growth, solubilizing essential nutrients, suppressing plant pathogens, and mitigating environmental stresses. Beyond promoting plant growth, PGPR play a crucial role in maintaining and improving soil health by enhancing soil fertility, increasing microbial diversity, and stabilizing soil structure. In contrast, chemical fertilizers, while effective at increasing crop yields, are expensive and contribute to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and environmental pollution. This makes PGPR an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for modern agriculture.

Our lab is dedicated to identifying and utilizing PGPR strains to support the growth of local crops while simultaneously preserving and enhancing soil health. By leveraging the beneficial effects of these microbes, we aim to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and agrochemicals, which harm the agro-ecosystem. Through our research, we strive to promote sustainable farming practices that not only boost crop productivity but also restore the natural balance of soil ecosystems, ensuring long-term agricultural and environmental sustainability.

Research Projects:

Research Outline

Bioactive Molecules for Beneficial Applications

Maximizing Health with Probiotics

Bioenriched Functional Foods

Probiotics for Plant Health

Biological Pollution Control

Management of Phytopathogens

One Health Approach to Zoonones

Ecology and Diversity

Genomics and Bioinformatics