Emerging Technologies and Management of Crop Stress Tolerance

Chapter 4

Role of Endophytic Microbes in Mitigation of Abiotic Stress in Plants

Amrita Kasotia and Devendra Kumar Choudhary

At the global level extensive research has been carried out with plants to develop tolerant varieties against abiotic stress by means of genetic engineering. In the present scenario, an alternative strategy has been developed where microbial endophytes have played a key role to the plant’s successful survival under abiotic stress. Endophytes employ mechanisms through which plants overcome abiotic stress; these include accumulation of stress-responsible molecules, secondary metabolites, and production of antioxidant enzymes. There are various reports wherein the interaction of endophytes with their host plants as symbiotic ...