A biologically pure phosphate solubilizing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) XSB375 was isolated from canola rhizosphere and identified as Bacillus firmus is provided herein. The PGPR is capable to solubilize phosphate that enhance plant available phosphorous. The PGPR XSB375 enhances seed germination, early emergence, plant vigor, root and shoot growth, and higher crop yield. This increased crop growth, development and yield is attributed from not only the greater phosphate solubilzation making more available phosphorus to plant but also making other essential plant nutrients more available to the plant and the like. The application of this phosphate solubilizing PGPR can be done as liquid suspension or solid materials using onto soil, potting mix, seeds, seed pieces, seedlings, foliage, carrier materials, roots and planting soil.
