Metabolic potential of endophytic bacteria ^☆

Graphical abstract

Highlights

• Endophytes are a source of a plethora of biologically active substances.

• Endophyte-associated metabolites may be needed for the interaction with the plant.

• Some metabolites are produced jointly by plant and endophytes.

• Endophytes may stimulate or alter metabolite production by the plant.

• Metabolite functions include signalling and communication, nutrient acquisition and defense.

Abstract

The bacterial endophytic microbiome promotes plant growth and health and beneficial effects are in many cases mediated and characterized by metabolic interactions. Recent advances have been made in regard to metabolite production by plant microsymbionts showing that they may produce a range of different types of metabolites. These substances play a role in defense and competition, but may also be needed for specific interaction and communication with the plant host. Furthermore, few examples of bilateral metabolite production are known and endophytes may modulate plant metabolite synthesis as well. We have just started to understand such metabolic interactions between plants and endophytes, however, further research is needed to more efficiently make use of beneficial plant-microbe interactions and to reduce pathogen infestation as well as to reveal novel bioactive substances of commercial interest.