a b s t r a c t
The characterization of PGPR (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) bacteria associated to Agrostis capillaris,
and evaluation of plant growth promotion mechanisms, as well as correlation of them with the
potential effects on the growth of the plants in unfavorable conditions, in order to improve the efficiency
of phytoremediation of contaminated soils were investigated. The results indicate that in the presence
of bacterial inoculation the growth of plants on heavy metal contaminated soil was higher compared to
uninoculated plants, which confirms the PGPR characteristics of selected isolates. To demonstrate the
effects in plant growth the different variants of plants inoculation were applied. The inoculation of rape
and fescue grass with PGPR bacteria, directly during germination as well after two weeks of growth, were
the most efficient methods for protecting seeds from growth inhibition on heavy metal contaminated
soil. The bacteria associated with plant rhizosphere naturally occurring in contaminated areas due to the
biochemical activity stimulate plant growth and thus improve the soil phytoremediation process