Improvement of peanut rhizobial inoculant by incorporation of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as biocontrol against the seed borne fungus, Aspergillus niger

► We have selected PGPR isolates that could inhibit Aspergillus niger. ► Some strains have more than one antifungal mechanism, and might produce a substance in the lipopeptides group. ► Inoculation of PGPR affected root morphology; it was similar to plants treated with some concentration of IAA. ► The antagonistic activities of PGPR are similar to the effect of using 90 ppm carbendazim on root rot disease. ► PGPR could promote plant growth, and co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium could protect plant from A. niger infection.