ABSTRACT
Natural ecosystems are directly dependent on beneficial microorganisms present in the rhizosphere for soil health and plant productivity. Soil bacteria were isolated from soil of central and upper Himalayan region with a view to screen/evaluate their Plant growth promoting potential. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) are employed as inoculants for biofertilization, phytostimulation and biocontrol. Dominant morphotypes were picked up from King`s B, CAS, YEMA and Pikovaskaya Agar by employing dilution plating. A total of 55 isolates were evaluated for growth promotion using Paper Towel Assay on lentil and 9 isolates were selected for detailed characterization. In dual plate assay all 9 isolates inhibited Fusarium solani; few isolates were inhibitory towards Ganoderma lividense and Colletotrichum dematium.