Histo-chemical changes induced by PGPR during induction of resistance in pearl millet against downy mildew disease

► Bacillus pumilus INR-7 effectively induced downy mildew resistance in pearl millet. ► INR-7 treatment enhanced hypersensitive response, lignin, callose, and H2O2 deposition. ► Tissue prints showed higher activities of defense enzymes in INR-7 treated seedlings. ► Immuno blots showed defense enzymes localized intensely at the vascular regions. ► Speed and intensity of defense responses varied in INR-7 treated and control seedlings.