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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp2 (2026): Recent Advances in Agriculture

Multifunctional roles of bacterial endophytes in plant growth, immunity and environmental adaptation

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.13700
Submitted
16 January 2026
Published
04-06-2026

Abstract

Endophytes are microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, archaea and protists live inside the plant tissues without causing harm. Bacterial endophytes play a pivotal role in promoting plant growth and development. They are distributed across several phyla, including Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Bacillota and Bacteroidot with genera such as Azoarcus, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas and Herbaspirillum enhancing plant biomass, root development and stress tolerance. Endophytes support plants by producing phytohormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), cytokinins, gibberellins, Abscisic acid and ethylene, solubilising phosphate, secreting siderophores and reducing stress-induced ethylene via the enzyme ACC deaminase. Colonisation involves sequential stages, beginning in the rhizosphere, followed by attachment to the rhizoplane and finally entry into internal tissues through natural openings or active mechanisms facilitated by pili, flagella and low-level cell wall–degrading enzymes. Endophytes modulate plant immunity by avoiding strong defence responses and producing antioxidant enzymes. They also enhance resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, including pathogens, drought, salinity and heavy metals. Genes expressed in endophytes, such as those involved in nitrogen fixation, siderophore synthesis, quorum sensing and stress response, contribute to plant growth promotion. Harnessing bacterial endophytes offers sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilisers and pesticides, supporting environmental friendly agriculture and improved crop resilience under abiotic stress.

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