Rhizosphere biology is approaching a century of investigations wherein growth-promoting rhizomicroorganisms (PGPR) have attracted special attention for their ability to enhance productivity, profitability and sustainability at a time when food security and rural livelihoods are a key priority. Bio-inputs -- either directly in the form of microbes or their by-products -- are gaining tremendous momentum and harnessing the potential of agriculturally important microorganisms could help in providing low-cost and environmentally safe technologies to farmers. Advances in PGPR Research explores these recent developments and includes coverage of: low input biofertilizers and biofungicides used for sustainable agriculture; molecular techniques to enhance efficacy of microbial inputs; and intellectual property issues in PGPR research.