ABSTRACT
Microorganisms are important partners with plants in phytotechnology applications. Plant–microbe relationships in phytoremediation include those of rhizobacteria which colonize root surfaces and biodegrade organic contaminants and other organic matter; endophytic bacteria that colonize the inner surface of plant stems and biodegrade organic compounds; and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) that have beneficial effects for plants. Plants produce organic substrates for the microbial populations. Because of root exudates, there are healthy numbers of bacteria near root surfaces that help with nutrient cycling and other ecosystem services. There is an emphasis on plant–microbe associations with Miscanthus; studies are conducted with and without PGPBs in soils contaminated with metals. Effects of PGPBs on bioconcentration factor and translocation factor are reported for Miscanthus growing in metal-contaminated soil.
