Abstract: Continuous cropping obstacle is one problem affecting the development of horticultural industry in China. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is of great significance in improving soil properties and plant growth as well as in alleviating continuous cropping obstacles. Although PGPR has been widely used in the production of horticultural crops, the comprehensive understanding of its mechanisms is still lacking. In this review, we summarized the effects of PGPR on soil health and plant growth. For soil health, we focused on the role of PGPR in improving soil physical structure, chemical properties, and biological characteristics. For plant growth, we focused on the regulatory effects of PGPR on plant hormone secretion, root growth and development, adversity stress defense, and “rootsoilmicrobiome” interaction network. We proposed the current research shortcomings and future research directions to lay a theoretical foundation for the scientific application of PGPR in the production of horticultural crops and the sustainable development of the horticultural industry.

Key words: plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, continuous cropping obstacle, horticultural crop.