Induction of plant defense response by endophytic microorganisms

Microorganisms provide beneficial effects to plants through its mutualistic, commensalistic, or symbiotic association. However, the microbial diversity and the number of microbial populations can change over the different stages of plant growth. The multiple plant beneficial features including plant growth promotion, biocontrol activity, and the induction of plant disease resistance mediated by these microorganisms can make them to have the promises to prepare bioformulations for the agricultural applications. Since it is an environment-friendly approach, it also helps to reduce the heavy use of agrochemicals and thereby promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Among various plant beneficial microorganisms, endophytes are highly significant basically due to their distribution with in plants. Hence, deeper h understanding onthe plant protective mechanisms of endophytes is highly relevant for the development of active biocontrol formulations. Thus, the current chapter discuss in detail about the mechanisms employed by endophytic microorganisms for protecting the plants from wide range of pathogens. Detailed understanding on the mode of action and mechanism of endophytes against pathogens further helps to accelerate the application and commercialization of endophyte based formulation.