Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria mediate induced systemic resistance in rice against bacterial leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

► Rhizobacterial Bacillus strains recorded positive growth response in rice under in vitro conditions. ► Strains Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus subtilis recorded higher levels of disease suppression. ► Increased activity of PAL, POX, and PPO enzymes was recorded in B. pumilus and B. subtilis treated rice seedlings. ► Increased enzymes activity directly or indirectly suppressed bacterial disease development. ► Rhizobacterial rice seed treatment proves to be beneficial in integrated pest management.