Endophytes Potential Use in Crop Production

Abstract

The endophytic microorganisms have the potential to improve the yield of agricultural crops. They can be used as biological control, plant growth promoter, or bioremediators. The action of endophytes in controlling phytopathogens, insects, and weeds that harm agriculture may be the result of microbial interactions with other organisms or the production of bioactive metabolites. Also, microorganisms can have the ability to favor plant growth and convert toxic compounds present in the soil. The presence of pollutants in the substrate reduces its quality for plant development, so bioremediation also impacts agricultural production. Therefore, prospecting endophytic microorganisms with agronomic potential may provide sustainable alternatives to increase crop yield.

Endophytes in Agriculture: Potential to Improve Yields and Tolerances of Agricultural Crops

“…Unpredictable environments consistently place stressors upon plants through abiotic and biotic sources and it is the plants prerogative to efficiently mitigate these stressors to maintain homeostasis [ 2 , 3 , 5 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 ]. The impact that endophytes have on the internal environment and behaviours of a plant is closely tied to the gene regulation and signalling as a result of the endophyte presence [ 111 ].…”

“…Additionally, endophytes have been observed to stimulate IAA induced Fe(III) reductase activity, aiding in Fe accumulation via strategy I [ 192 ]. Thirdly, endophytes have been observed to increase PS levels in plants, giving strategy II capabilities to [ 109 , 201 ]. Regardless of the mode of action, endophytes have shown to play key roles in improving Fe availability and represent a potential solution to the most common consumer nutrient deficiency [ 28 , 46 ].…”