Inside the plant: Bacterial endophytes and abiotic stress alleviation

Bacterial endophytes are the microbes internally associated with the plant, nourished in an isolated environment which is free from the external harsh and changeable ecological condition. They entered into the plant tissues and alleviate the biotic and abiotic stresses by producing numerous secondary metabolites. They are engaged with the de novo synthesis of structural compounds and stimulation of plant immunity. They are also involved in the process of exclusion of the pathogen by niche competition and actively take part in phenylpropanoid metabolism. Abiotic stresses in particular salinity problem, low pH, heavy metal toxicity and accumulation of recalcitrant complex compounds in the soil affecting the plant health are a major threat to the agriculture sector in crop production and stability of ecosystems. To cope with these problems agriculture productivity has been intensified by using synthetic chemicals and pesticides causes numerous problems worldwide. Endophytic bacteria are thus being utilized as a substitute to reduce the use of toxic chemicals and pesticides. They may be employed as a biological agent in the plant growth promotion and for the management of the global environment. There is a tremendous scope for the isolation and identification of new endophytic bacteria with excellent potential.