Meta-omics of endophytic microbes in agricultural biotechnology

Endophytic studies are becoming popular with the current advancement in microbial ecology. The internal tissue of the plant represents a discreet region for diverse endophytic microbes to flourish for plant nutrition through the uptake of essential nutrient (i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) synthesis of phytohormones, metabolic compounds, organic acids, siderophores, and hydrolytic enzymes. Nevertheless, these microbes are less explored than expected. The mecha-nisms of endophytic microbes that best explain their interactions with the host plant and other microbes can unravel their functional role in agricultural biotechnology based on gene specificity and competence under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. The establishment of microbial communities in plants contributes to plant health for yield enhancement. The dominant bacterial phyla, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Chloroflexi; and fungal phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota previously reported from sunflower, maize, rice, and wheat using meta-omics approaches form the basis of understanding the endophytic concept in the present and future studies. Meta-omics approaches create opportunities to unravel, explore and incorporate endophytic bioproducts in developing eco-friendly agriculture. Despite the established prospects of meta-omics approaches in agricultural biotechnology and industry, providing information on the reality of endophytic microbial bioproducts in assisting stress tolerance and disease control in plants is important with the view of combating current agri-cultural challenges for crop production. Hence, this review focuses on the endophytic bacteria and fungi, structural diversity, meta-omics approaches, and their agricultural, biotechnological, and industrial importance.

Automated summary

Endophytic studies are gaining popularity in microbial ecology due to their importance in plant nutrition and stress tolerance. The current research focuses on the abundance, diversity, and functional role of endophytic bacteria and fungi in major crops, while meta-omics approaches provide a promising platform for exploring and harnessing the potential of endophytic bioproducts in agriculture and industry.