Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part B (2024)

Endophytic bacteria represent a promising frontier in sustainable agriculture due to their capacity to colonize internal plant tissues and enhance plant immunity without causing disease. These microorganisms not only promote growth but also act as biological control agents against various phytopathogens. This paper explores the mechanisms through which endophytic bacteria contribute to induced systemic resistance (ISR), modulate phytohormonal signaling, and produce antimicrobial compounds. The study incorporates recent advances in molecular and genomic tools to identify beneficial strains and decode their interaction pathways with host plants.
We compiled and analyzed data from greenhouse and field trials, focusing on crops such as rice, maize, wheat, and tomato. The results show significant improvements in resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens, attributed to endophytic bacterial genera including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Burkholderia. A comparative analysis of treated versus control plants reveals enhanced expression of defense-related genes (e.g., PR1, LOX2), higher phenolic content, and improved survival under biotic stress.
Furthermore, this paper identifies current limitations in strain specificity, colonization stability, and regulatory frameworks, providing a roadmap for future research. With global emphasis shifting toward eco-friendly crop protection strategies, understanding and leveraging endophytic bacteria could lead to the next generation of bioinoculants. The findings suggest a paradigm shift in plant protection, aligning with principles of agroecology and sustainable farming.