PLANT ENDOPHYTES: A NATURAL SOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND CROP PROTECTION

Endophytic microorganisms reside within plant tissues without inducing harm and play a crucial role in supporting plant health and boosting agricultural productivity. These beneficial microbes encompass bacterial genera such as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and fungal species like Trichoderma and Fusarium. By forming symbiotic associations with plants, endophytes enhance growth by synthesizing phytohormones, improving nutrient solubilization, and strengthening resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. They contribute to pathogen suppression, enhance drought and salinity tolerance, and mitigate oxidative stress, making them valuable for sustainable farming. Additionally, endophytes generate a variety of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial properties, reinforcing plant defense mechanisms and serving as potential alternatives to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Despite their promising applications, challenges persist, including difficulties in isolation, inconsistent field performance, and regulatory limitations that hinder large-scale adoption. However, recent advancements in biotechnology, including genetic engineering and multi-omics approaches, are opening new avenues for optimizing the agricultural applications of endophytes. This review explores the diversity, functional mechanisms, and practical applications of endophytes in modern agriculture, highlighting their potential for promoting eco-friendly and sustainable farming systems.