Summary
This narrative review examines endophytic bacteria—microorganisms residing within plant tissues without causing pathology—as functional agents for enhancing plant resilience to stress in agricultural systems. The authors synthesise evidence on bacterial diversity across four major phyla and describe multiple mechanistic pathways (immune priming, secondary metabolite production, nutrient cycling) that confer stress tolerance benefits. The review acknowledges substantial promise for sustainable agriculture whilst highlighting critical gaps: plant–microbe interaction complexity, variable efficacy across environments, and the need for improved identification and application methodologies.
UK applicability
Endophytic bacterial inoculants could support UK arable and horticultural production under variable climate and pest pressures, particularly where chemical inputs are restricted or antimicrobial stewardship is prioritised. However, the review indicates that efficacy variability across environmental conditions requires site-specific validation before widespread UK adoption.
Key measures
Diversity of endophytic bacterial phyla; mechanisms of stress tolerance (systemic resistance, bioactive compounds, nutrient transfer); barriers to application across environmental conditions
Outcomes reported
This review synthesises evidence on the diversity of endophytic bacterial taxa (Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria) and their functional mechanisms in enhancing plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. It identifies key mechanisms including systemic resistance induction, bioactive compound synthesis, resource competition, and nutrient production, whilst documenting challenges limiting agricultural application.
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