Co-inoculation of native multi-trait plant growth promoting rhizobacteria promotes plant growth and suppresses Alternaria blight disease in castor ( Ricinus communis L.).

Three isolates namely, (LRP-2), (HF-1) and (UR-6) showed potential antagonistic activities and PGP traits which were selected for disease suppression and PGP studies. Application of PGPR consortia (LRP-2+HF-1) could suppress the plants from infection in challenged inoculation. Mix inoculation of LRP-2 and UR-6 showed synergistic effect and enhanced plant growth in pot experiments. Combinations of (LRP-2), (HF-1) and (UR-6) can be applied as bio-control and bio-fertilizer formulation to protect castor from blight and also to enhance plant growth.