Endophytic Microorganisms Isolated of Plants Grown in Colombia: A Short Review

Abstract

Colombia is listed as the second largest country in plant diversity in the world, presenting more than 6000 species of endemic plants. The different genus and species of plants, as well as the various environments encountered in the country, are responsible for the countless amount of endophytic bacteria and fungi. So far, only a few endophytic microorganisms were isolated in Colombia, including the genera Pseudomonas, Burkholderia, Chromobacterium, Curtobacterium, Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Fusarium, which have been isolated from rice, coffee, rose, grass and Espeletia plants. Fungi and bacteria isolated from these plants have great potential for use in biocontrol, bioremediation and in promoting plant growth. Colombia for its rich flora have become a promising country for finding new microorganisms associated with plants, especially those with potential for food industry, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.