Microbial producers of plant growth stimulators and their practical use: A review

The ability of pro- and eukaryotic microorganisms to synthesize growth-stimulating phytohormones is reviewed, with emphasis on pathways of biosynthesis of these compounds and their effects on physiological and biochemical properties of the producers. Phytohormones are viewed as specific mediators in interactions between various organisms inhabiting the same ecological niche, the biological role of which is not limited to processes taking place in plants. In addition to setting forth theoretical aspects of this problem, the review underscores the need to utilize such producer microorganisms in plant cultivation and biotechnology.