Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewedConventional

Properties of bacterial endophytes and their proposed role in plant growth

Hardoim, P. R., L. van Overbeek, and J. D. van Elsas

Trends in Microbiology · 2008

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Summary

This review examines bacterial endophytes — bacteria that colonise internal plant tissues — and discusses their proposed contributions to plant growth and health. The authors synthesise knowledge on endophyte properties and mechanisms, suggesting that endophytic communities may enhance nutrient availability, produce growth-promoting compounds, or improve plant stress resilience, though evidence for in-field efficacy remains incomplete. The work contributes to understanding of below-ground microbial ecology and its potential agronomic significance.

Regional applicability

The review is geographically non-specific and addresses a fundamental plant microbiology topic applicable globally. Findings on endophyte mechanisms are transferable to United Kingdom agricultural and horticultural systems, though field-level validation of growth-promoting effects in UK soil and climate conditions would be needed to support practical adoption.

Key measures

Characteristics of endophytic bacterial populations; proposed mechanisms of plant growth promotion (e.g. nutrient acquisition, phytohormone production, stress tolerance)

Outcomes reported

The paper reviews the properties of bacterial endophytes colonising plant tissues and examines the evidence for their proposed roles in plant growth promotion. It likely synthesises mechanisms by which endophytic bacteria may enhance plant performance.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil biology & microbiology
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
United Kingdom
System type
Other
DOI
10.1016/j.tim.2008.07.008
Catalogue ID
IRmqh57rdp-5f6d6d

Topic tags

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