The influence of endophytes on rice fitness under environmental stresses

Abstract

Key Message Endophytes are crucial for the promotion of rice growth and stress tolerance and can be used to increase rice crop yield. Endophytes can thus be exploited in biotechnology and genetic engineering as eco-friendly and cost-effective means for the development of high-yielding and stress-tolerant rice plants. Abstract Rice (Oryza sativa) crop is continuously subjected to biotic and abiotic stresses, compromising growth and consequently yield. The situation is exacerbated by climate change impacting on ecosystems and biodiversity. Genetic engineering has been used to develop stress-tolerant rice, alongside physical and chemical methods to mitigate the effect of these stresses. However, the success of these strategies has been hindered by short-lived field success and public concern on adverse effects associated. The limited success in the field of stress-tolerant cultivars developed through breeding or transgenic approaches is due to the complex nature of stress tolerance as well as to the resistance breakdown caused by accelerated evolution of pathogens. It is therefore necessary to develop novel and acceptable strategies to enhance rice stress tolerance and durable resistance and consequently improve yield. In the last decade, plant growth promoting (PGP) microbes, especially endophytes, have drawn the attention of agricultural scientists worldwide, due to their ability to mitigate environmental stresses in crops, without causing adverse effects. Increasing evidence indicates that endophytes effectively confer fitness benefits also to rice under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Endophyte-produced metabolites can control the expression of stress-responsive genes and improve the physiological performance and growth of rice plants. This review highlights the current evidence available for PGP microbe-promoted tolerance of rice to abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought and to biotic ones, with special emphasis on endophytes. Associated molecular mechanisms are illustrated, and prospects for sustainable rice production also in the light of the impending climate change, discussed.

Synergistic relationship of endophyte-nanomaterials to alleviate abiotic stress in plants

“…Some studies have explained the role of endophytic bacteria in agricultural systems under abiotic stresses in combating future food scarcity. For instance, B. amyloliquefaciens RWL-1 producing ABA can enhance rice yield in soil with a high salt concentration (Ganie et al, 2021). This bacterium produces essential amino acids and salicylic acid which assist rice growth in salinity/ drought conditions (Thepbandit et al, 2021).…”

The Diversity of Fungal Endophytes from Wild Grape Vitis amurensis Rupr

“…Growing evidence indicates that endophytic associations can be important for plant fitness and crop productivity [ 5 , 6 ]. Subsequently, considerable evidence indicated that endophytic associations are important for plant nutrient acquisition [ 7 ], immune system [ 8 ], disease suppression [ 9 ], tolerance to abiotic stresses [ 10 ], and phytohormone production [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Endophytic Fungal and Bacterial Microbiota Shift in Rice and Barnyardgrass Grown under Co-Culture Condition

“…The beneficial effects of endophytes on rice growth are mediated by several functional traits, including phytohormones and siderophores' production, nitrogen fixation, and metal detoxification [10]. In rice, various types of endophytes have been isolated and characterized for their role in promoting rice health and vigor under biotic and abiotic stress conditions [11]. Paecilomyces formosus LWL1 and Bacillus pumilus can enhance rice growth under heat and high salt stresses [12,13].…”