Bacterial Volatile Organic Compounds: A New Insight for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improve plant growth by improved nutrient acquisition and guarding plants from biotic and abiotic stress. PGPR stimulate plant defense system by induction of systemic resistance or tolerance (ISR/IST). A large number of elicitors are known to stimulate plant defense system, and VOCs are one of the most studied elicitors for ISR/IST response which excites plant defense system without direct physical contact. In this chapter review about the current development regarding interactions of PGPR volatiles and plants is discussed. The mechanisms of action of volatile compounds for plant growth promotion as well as stimulation of plant defense to withstand abiotic and biotic stress are also being elaborated to explain elicitation of plant's self-immunity against various stresses.