Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that enhance plant growth through various mechanisms, including phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, biological nitrogen fixation, rhizosphere engineering, and the production of growth regulators. PGPR offer an attractive alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Recent advancements in understanding PGPR diversity, colonization ability, and mechanisms of action have facilitated their application in managing sustainable agricultural systems. This review summarizes and discusses the progress in using PGPR for agricultural improvement, highlighting their potential in replacing chemical inputs and their role in plant-microbe symbioses. Key bacterial genera associated with PGPR include Agrobacterium, Azotobacter, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, among others. Actinomycetes, another significant component of the rhizosphere microbial community, also exhibit plant growth-promoting activities and biocontrol properties against root pathogens.Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial bacteria that enhance plant growth through various mechanisms, including phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, biological nitrogen fixation, rhizosphere engineering, and the production of growth regulators. PGPR offer an attractive alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Recent advancements in understanding PGPR diversity, colonization ability, and mechanisms of action have facilitated their application in managing sustainable agricultural systems. This review summarizes and discusses the progress in using PGPR for agricultural improvement, highlighting their potential in replacing chemical inputs and their role in plant-microbe symbioses. Key bacterial genera associated with PGPR include Agrobacterium, Azotobacter, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, among others. Actinomycetes, another significant component of the rhizosphere microbial community, also exhibit plant growth-promoting activities and biocontrol properties against root pathogens.