Endophytic microrganisms

Abstract

Fungi, yeasts, bacteria and flagellates of internal tissues from healthy plants are called endophytic microorganisms. The endophytic microorganisms and plants relationships are asymptomatic and nonpathogenic. This symbiotic association provides nutrition, protection, survival for the microorganism and its dissemination through seeds. For the plant this relationship provides growth, tolerance to insects and herbivores, and disease resistance. The endophytes are important because of their potential for increasing agricultural productivity. Many species of endophytes show potential for being used in pharmaceutic and pesticide industries, and as genetic vectors.