Functional Importance of Endophytic Microorganisms in Plant Growth Promotion, Bioactive Compound Production for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review

Abstract

Endophytes constitute living microorganisms inhabiting inside tissues of plants. Endophytes perform critical functions in upgrading the growth of plants and their defense to fight stress by a variety of phytohormones, biologically active compounds, volatile organic compounds, and biotechnologically valuable enzymes. How biological nitrogen fixation, nutrient uptake, and disease suppression occurs by endophytes, have been discussed in detail in the review. The mutual symbiotic relationship enhances plant growth, fitness, physiology, and metabolite production ability. Endophytes inhibit the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms and protect crops against diseases. Endophytes are also involved in strategies for environmental clean-up such as biodegradation, bioremediation, and phytoremediation. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and study the mechanisms of interactions, colonisation, diversity, and functionalities for successful implications in agriculture. Thus, the endophytic relationship opens possibilities for medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. The present review emphasizes the importance of endophytes in sustainable agriculture under several adverse environmental impacts through a better understanding of their functioning inside the plant.