Growth enhancement of medicinal plants Withania somnifera and Chlorophytum borvilianum by using Siderophoregenic E. cloa

Excessive application of chemical pesticides in agricultural land has alarmed destruction of soil microflora and therefore a variety of aspects need to be considered. Although little progress has been made in identifying highly effective antagonists in rhizosphere communities, the lack of knowledge of plant microbe interrelationships directs the need for more research in this area. In rhizobacterial ecology, battle between plant beneficial and plant deleterious microorganisms is an unending process. The various aspects of rhizobacterial plant growth promotion clearly indicate the importance of management of root health with the help of microbial involvement. A sincere effort has been made to focus various attributes of rhizobacterium Enterobacter cloacae. This versatile rhizobacterium could be exploited for improving root health of two medicinally important plants namely Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) and Chorophytum borvilianum (Safed Musali). It is not only biocontrol activity important in managing plant health but exopolysaccharide production also plays important role in protecting the plants from desiccation and in acquisition of essential minerals.