Summary
This 2026 book chapter reviews the application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a biological input to enhance both agronomic performance and phytochemical quality in medicinal plants. The authors integrate mechanistic evidence—including nutrient solubilisation, phytohormone production, and stress mitigation—as pathways to simultaneous improvements in yield and secondary metabolite content. The work contributes to understanding how microbial biotechnology can support sustainable horticultural intensification of medicinal plant production.
Regional applicability
UK medicinal plant growers and horticultural systems could benefit from PGPR application to enhance both yield and phytochemical potency, particularly under variable growing conditions. However, specific strain performance and regulatory status of microbial biologics under UK and retained EU law would require validation in temperate conditions.
Key measures
Yield metrics and phytochemical composition (secondary metabolites); nutrient solubilisation efficiency; phytohormone levels; stress tolerance indicators
Outcomes reported
The chapter examines how PGPR application affects both agronomic yield and phytochemical (secondary metabolite) quality in medicinal plant crops. It synthesises mechanistic pathways including nutrient solubilisation, phytohormone production, and stress tolerance as drivers of simultaneous improvements in production and bioactive compound content.
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