Bacterial endophytes associated to crops: novel practices for sustainable agriculture.

DEGRASSI, G.; CARPENTIERI-PIPOLO, V.

Bacterial endophytes associated to crops: novel practices for sustainable agriculture.

Autores

Descripción

For many decades, rhizosphere bacteria have been studied for their potential to promote crop growth and control certain pathogens. Compared to the studies conducted, there are relatively few examples of microbial inoculants based on rhizosphere bacteria that have had commercial success, mainly due to the strong competition present in the rhizosphere. In the last twenty years, studies on endophytes have multiplied, also and above all as a possible alternative to rhizobacteria, for the development of microbial inoculants capable of replacing some agrochemicals and reducing the environmental impact of agronomic management of crops. This minireview summarizes the most important characteristics and qualities of endophytic bacteria and describes the path that can be followed to identify and deepen the knowledge of candidates suitable for the development of microbial inoculants. The nature of endophytes requires careful isolation methods; the growth promotion potential can be identified by evaluating some traits-related phenotypes and metabolic capacities; relations with the host plant and capacity of colonization, the influence of the external environment and sensitivity to agronomic practices are pivotal factors in establishing the endophytic population in the different parts of the plant. All of this must be taken into consideration in selecting the most promising endophytes for field trials.