The role of endophytes to boost the plant immunity

Almost all plants species possess endophytes. These endophytic associations play a major role in the plant defense mechanism. These defense mechanisms are a two-step process. One is during the entry of the endophytes inside the host and second is during the interaction of the endophytes inside the host. Pathogenicity of other virulent microorganisms is significantly suppressed due to the endophytic association. Endophytes can regulate the host gene(s) expression. Endophytes can also produce many volatile and nonvolatile compounds which are mainly responsible for providing a major boost to the plant immunity. Overexpression of the immune-associated genes may enhance the plant defense which can ultimately lead to the production of plant secondary metabolites. This is not only beneficial to boost the plants’ immunity but also to play a significant role in crop production.