Endophyte Microbes: A Weapon for Plant Health Management

Abstract

Endophytes are symptomless fungal or bacterial microorganisms found in almost all living plant species reported so far. Most of the endophytes form a symbiotic association with their host plants by colonizing the internal tissues, which has made them valuable for agriculture as a tool in improving crop health. Bacterial and fungal endophytes are also a valuable source of several key components such as phytohormones (auxins and gibberellins) that help in growth and development of the host plant. Some of the chemicals produced by endophytic microbes have antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties, which strongly inhibit the growth of other organisms, including phytopathogens. Natural compounds that have been isolated from endophytes can be used as an alternative source with direct application in diverse fields ranging from crop protection to human welfare. They also help the host plants to tolerate various biotic and abiotic stress conditions resulting in better growth and higher yield. Also, endophytic fungi have been emerging as an ideal tool in biotechnology and crop protection research. In this chapter, the historical development of the term endophyte,