Biodegradation of phorate in soil and rhizosphere of Brassica juncea (L.) (Indian Mustard) by a microbial consortium

► Ralstonia eutropha, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter cloacae could degrade phorate. ► A consortium comprised of the three bacteria was found to degrade 55 ± 4% phorate in a sandy loam soil. ► The percent degradation was enhanced to 64 ± 5% in presence of Brassica juncea plants. ► The presence of plants alone was also found to cause phorate depletion compared to the non-vegetated control.