Effects of root inoculation with bacteria on the growth, Cd uptake and bacterial communities associated with rape grown in Cd-contaminated soil

► The metal-resistant bacteria solubilized Cd in the rhizosphere soils of the rape. ► The bacteria could colonize the rhizosphere soils and root interiors of the rape. ► The bacteria changed the rape-associated culturable bacterial communities. ► Strain Y-1-3-9 changed the rape-associated unculturable bacterial communities. ► The bacteria could promote the growth and total Cd uptake of rape plants.