Seven PGPR strains (B. pumilus INR7, SE34 and T4; B. amyloliquefaciens IN937a, B. subtilis IN937b and GB03; Brevibacillus brevis IPC11) were used in the present study. These strains were obtained from Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA (Courtesy: Prof. J.W. Kloepper and Prof. M.S. Reddy). The strains were stored in tryptic soy broth amended with glycerol (20%) at 70 C prior to use.