Role of Entophytic Microorganisms in Biocontrol of Plant Diseases

Endophytic microorganisms are to be found in virtually every plant on earth. Endophytic microorganisms exist within the living tissues of most plant species and do so in a variety of relationships, ranging from symbiotic to slightly pathogenic. Root endophytic microorganisms are seen as promising alternatives to replace chemical pesticides and fertilizers in sustainable and organic agriculture systems. The capability of colonizing internal host tissues has made endophytes valuable for agriculture as a tool to improve crop performance. This association is often mutualistic: endophytes provide the plant with antagonism against diseases. Once inside the plant, an endophyte occupies a niche with relatively low competition from other microorganisms, provided the endophyte gets there first. Novel endophytes usually have associated with them novel secondary natural products and/or processes. Identifying, understanding and utilizing endophytes or its products to control of plant diseases and to enhance crop production are integral parts of sustainable agriculture. In this review, we addressed the major topics concerning the control of plant diseases by entophytic microorganisms mediated by specific metabolites of microbial origin. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(2):57-62]. (ISSN: 10978135).