ROLE OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGAL SPECIES IN PLANT GROWTH PROMOTION AND IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS: A REVIEW

Abstract

Biocontrol of plant pathogens is alternate to synthetic pesticides which is environmentally safe and improve plant health by inducing and activating the plant hormones. Endophytes are the microorganisms isolated from the interior of the host plant, are crucial for plant growth promotion (PGP). Almost all plant species have endophytic fungus species. They provide the benefits to the host plant by colonizing their inner tissues without developing any symptoms and get benefits in return. In recent years, sustainable agriculture has increased due to global concern and scientific community conducted different types of research on endophytic fungi according to their potential in promoting plant growth. Now a days, beneficial effects of endophytic colonization are demonstrated through many studies. These endophytes have great potential to PGP by mainly two mechanisms (indirect and direct). The creation of phytohormones and the acquisition of nutrients are examples of direct mechanisms. Indirect mechanism is based on the production of secondary metabolites antibiotics, siderophore production, induced resistance and protection against the abiotic and biotic stresses. This review article summarized the different reported studies and explained the mechanism of endophytes fungi related to the improvement of plant health with beneficial conclusion and recommendations.