Endophytic bacteria have been found in virtually every plant studied, where they
colonize the internal tissues of their host plant and can form a range of different
relationships including symbiotic, mutualistic, commensalistic and trophobiotic.
Most endophytes appear to originate from the rhizosphere or phyllosphere; however,
some may be transmitted through the seed. Endophytic bacteria can promote plant
growth and yield and can act as biocontrol agents. Endophytes can also be beneficial
to their host by producing a range of natural products that could be harnessed for
potential use in medicine, agriculture or industry. In addition, it has been shown
that they have the potential to remove soil contaminants by enhancing phytoremediation
and may play a role in soil fertility through phosphate solubilization and
nitrogen fixation. There is increasing interest in developing the potential biotechnological
applications of endophytes for improving phytoremediation and the sustainable
production of nonfood crops for biomass and biofuel production.