ABSTRACT: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are a group of bacteria that can be found in the rhizosphere, in association with roots which can enhance the growth of plant directly or indirectly. A large number of bacteria including species of Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Burkholderia, Bacillus, Rhizobium and Serratia have reported to enhance plant growth. Here, we have isolated, screened and characterized the PGPR from the rhizosphere soil of rice field. Rhizosphere soils were collected from different areas of Kashipur region in Uttarakhand, India. Ten isolates of bacteria, designated as PGB1, PGB2, PGB3, PGB4, PGB5, PGB6, PGB7, PGB8, PGB9 and PGB10, were successfully isolated and characterized. Subsequently, to investigate the PGPR isolates for their antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi such as Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani. In extend, the growth of PGPR isolates was optimized under different temperature conditions such as 10°C, 20°C, 28°C, 37°C and 45°C. Isolates PGB3, PGB4, PGB6, PGB7, PGB8, PGB9 and PGB10 induced the production of indole acetic acid (IAA), whereas only PGB8 isolate was able to solubilize phosphorus. In case of Siderophore production, the isolates PGB4, PGB6, PGB7, PGB8 and PGB10 were found to be positive. Most of the isolates grown best under the temperature of 20°C & 28°C when compared to 10°C & 37°C and very few can grown at 45°C. Furthermore, most of the PGPR isolates shown antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani. The present study, therefore, suggests that the use of PGPR isolates PGB6, PGB8 and PGB10 as inoculants/ biofertilizers might be beneficial for rice cultivation as they enhanced growth of rice due to the production of IAA, Phosphate solubilization, Siderophore production and also having antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi. KEY WORDS: PGPR, IAA, phosphorus solubilization, siderophore production, antagonism assay.

ABSTRACT: Candida associated morbidity and mortality is reported to increase at an alarming rate worldwide due to its lead role in hospital acquired infections (Nosocomial infections). Rising incidences on resistance in Candida species to existing antifungal drugs and the frequent occurrence of Candidosis have prompted the researchers to look for alternative therapeutics. Several plant extracts have been screened by various groups for anti-Candidal properties. These plants could provide cost effective and safer approach of treating Candidosis, justifying the basis for developing herbal drugs against the deadly pathogen. In this review we have compiled more than hundred studies demonstrating the ability of plant extracts to combat Candida pathogenesis, with a perspective of developing herbal anti-Candida drugs. Keywords: Anti-Candida Plants, Plant Extracts, Candidosis, Herbal drugs, Candida pathogenesis, Alternative drugs.