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Review
. 2018 Mar 22;19(4):952.
doi: 10.3390/ijms19040952.

Plant Growth Promoting and Biocontrol Activity of Streptomyces spp. as Endophytes

Sai Shiva Krishna Prasad Vurukonda  1 , Davide Giovanardi  2 , Emilio Stefani  3
Affiliations
Review

Plant Growth Promoting and Biocontrol Activity of Streptomyces spp. as Endophytes

Sai Shiva Krishna Prasad Vurukonda et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

There has been many recent studies on the use of microbial antagonists to control diseases incited by soilborne and airborne plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi, in an attempt to replace existing methods of chemical control and avoid extensive use of fungicides, which often lead to resistance in plant pathogens. In agriculture, plant growth-promoting and biocontrol microorganisms have emerged as safe alternatives to chemical pesticides. Streptomyces spp. and their metabolites may have great potential as excellent agents for controlling various fungal and bacterial phytopathogens. Streptomycetes belong to the rhizosoil microbial communities and are efficient colonizers of plant tissues, from roots to the aerial parts. They are active producers of antibiotics and volatile organic compounds, both in soil and in planta, and this feature is helpful for identifying active antagonists of plant pathogens and can be used in several cropping systems as biocontrol agents. Additionally, their ability to promote plant growth has been demonstrated in a number of crops, thus inspiring the wide application of streptomycetes as biofertilizers to increase plant productivity. The present review highlights Streptomyces spp.-mediated functional traits, such as enhancement of plant growth and biocontrol of phytopathogens.

Keywords: actinobacteria; microbe–microbe interactions; microbial biocontrol agents; plant growth promoting rhizobacteria; streptomycetes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Representation of possible plant–microbe interactions favouring plant growth and/or biocontrol of phytopathogens by streptomycetes as rhizosphere competent microorganisms and/or endophytes (adapted from [57]).
Figure 2
Figure 2
In vitro biocontrol activity of Streptomyces spp.: (a) antimicrobial activity against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, the causal agent of the tomato bacterial canker and (b) antifungal activity against Monilinia laxa, the causal agent of the brown rot of stone fruits.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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