14. Rhizosphere and Root Colonization by Bacterial Inoculants and Their Monitoring Methods: A Critical Area in PGPR Research

Roots serve a multitude of functions in plants including anchorage, acquisition of nutrients and water, and production of exudates with growth regulatory properties. The root–soil interface, or rhizosphere, is the site of greatest biological and chemical activity within the soil matrix. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are known to influence plant health by controlling plant pathogens or via direct enhancement of plant development in the laboratory and in greenhouse experiments. Unfortunately, however, results in the field have been less consistent. The colonization of roots by inoculated bacteria is an important step in the interaction between beneficial bacteria and the host plant. However, colonization is a complex phenomenon influenced by many biotic and abiotic parameters, some of which are only now apparent. Monitoring fate and metabolic activity of microbial inoculants as well as their impact on rhizosphere and soil microbial communities are needed to guarantee safe and reliable application, independent of whether they are genetically modified or not. The first and most crucial prerequisite for effective use of PGPRs is that strain identity and activity are continuously confirmed. A combination of both classical and molecular techniques must be perfected for more effective monitoring of inoculants strain (both genetically modified and unmodified) after release into the soil. Recent developments in techniques for studying rhizobacterial communities and detection and tracking systems of inoculated bacteria are important in future application and assessment of effectiveness and consistent performance of microbial inoculants in crop production and protection.