Abstract
Microbes are ubiquitous in nature; likewise, they form a part of flora in the plant species either actively colonizing or latently dormant. Beneficial plant-microbe interactions that promote plant health and development in a broad spectrum of area have been a subject of substantial study. Beneficial microbial associations like mutualists and symbiotic associates in plants show considerable promise due to the ability to provide ample benefits not only to the host plant but also a great prospect to mankind. Endophytes represent a hot spot area of current research, considering their 360 degrees of contribution and a wide range of applications in agricultural science, as potent plant growth promoters and emerging as effective biocontrol agents against various severe plant pathogens, limiting the use of chemical pesticides and other hazardous chemicals. Endophytes also share their contribution to modern medicine, industrial perspectives, nanoscience, forest management, and bioremediation. The endophytes may produce a plethora of substances or compounds with potential therapeutic applications covering plants to humans. There is increase in studies of endophytes for improving yield of food crops and the sustainable production of nonfood crops for biomass and biofuel production. The ability to tolerate both biotic and abiotic stresses is also an added advantage over the other competent microbial flora of its surrounding habitat. Indeed, endophytes are a golden area of researching and exploiting the potent functional properties that aid in understanding the depth of plant-microbe interactions and their contribution to sustainable agriculture, being the focus of concern in the present food crisis scenario.
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We thank the Department of Biotechnology, DBT, Govt. of India, for assisting financial support to carry out the study.
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Indira Devi, S., Momota, P. (2015). Plant-Endophyte Interaction and Its Unrelenting Contribution Towards Plant Health. In: Arora, N. (eds) Plant Microbes Symbiosis: Applied Facets. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-2068-8_7
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