Multiple Roles of Endophytes in Modern Agriculture

Abstract

Endophyte biology is an emerging field for practical use of beneficial microorganisms to control plant diseases and to sustain and assist crop production under non stress and stress conditions. Endophytes are microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) that colonize inside the plant tissues. The exact biological and biochemical roles of endophytes and their interactions with host plants in improving plant health and crop productivity is under investigation in many laboratories around the world. However, this has not stopped investigators in exploring the direct utility of endophytes in boosting crop production. Endophytes produce a myriad of biologically active compounds which includes plant growth promoting agents, antimicrobial agents, phytohormones, antibiotics, antioxidants, anticancer agents, immunosuppressive compounds and compounds with insecticide properties. This review is intended to provide background information on aspects of developments in endophyte biology and more importantly the roles of endophytes in modern agriculture.