Abstract: Exopolysaccharides （EPS） have great potential in promoting plant growth, improving plant resistance to abiotic stress and enhancing soil quality. This paper analyzed the action mechanisms of EPS-producing plant growth-promoting bacteria （PGPB） in promoting biofilm formation, improving soil structure, enhancing plant inter-root nutrients, and mitigating abiotic stress. The application of EPS was also summarized based on the plant growth promotion, saline-alkali soil improvement, and heavy metal pollution remediation. Moreover, the utilization of EPS and the relationship between its structure and function were discussed. By summarizing the research results on the action mechanisms and applications of EPS from PGPB, this study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for further developing the EPS-PGPB strain resources, exploring the structure and function of EPS and its efficient fermentation production process, thereby providing a reference for the development of EPS in the agricultural field.

Key words: plant growth-promoting bacteria, exopolysaccharides, plant growth-promoting, action mechanism, soil improvement