These isolates were screened in vitro for their plant growth promoting traits like production of indole acetic acid (IAA), ammonia (NH3), phosphate solubilisation, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and antifungal activity. Cowpea seeds were treated with rhizobacteria to assess seed germination and growth of seedlings. A pot experiment was conducted with cassava variety, Sree Vijaya, where stem cuttings were treated with rhizobacteria followed by a soil drench. About 88% of the isolates produced IAA, 83% produced ammonia and 50% solublized P. Only one isolate produced HCN and nine isolates showed antifungal activity against the plant pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii. Rhizobacterial treatments promoted the germination in cowpea and growth in cassava.The present study suggests that PGPR isolates might have potential in future field applications as plant growth promoters or as biocontrol agents.