Effects of Rhizobacteria Siderophores that Benefit Plants

ABSTRACT Certain rhizobacteria have the ability to chelate ferric iron using siderophores. The ability to acquire this largely insoluble nutrient in the carbon rich environment of the rhizosphere can result in competitive exclusion of other organisms. This exclusion can have a range of effects on plants. This paper will examine the compounds involved in iron chelation, and subsequent uptake and utilization strategies by one of the most widely studied rhizobacteria species, Pseudomonas. The significance of siderophore producing rhizobacteria to the bacteria, plants, and agriculture will also be discussed.