Book Description
Research on the microbial colonization of the aerial and subterranean tissues of plants has shown an extensive scale of interactions between the hosts and a range of microbes, including bacteria and fungi. Intercellular spaces, vascular systems and even single cells can be inhabited by these endophytic microbes. Of the bacterial endophytes, only a small percentage is harmful to the plant; most are neutral, opportunistic or beneficial. These plant-based bacteria can have various important functions throughout the life cycle of the plant; some promote plant growth and development, others protect the plant from diseases. This ability to be able to protect plants from diseases has catalyzed numerous laboratories to search for new bacteria that could be utilized instead of the traditional plant-protective agents. Because two or more interacting organisms are involved, research and the eventual application of suitable bio-controlling microbes are challenging and often require specific skills and equipment. The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive review for those who are interested in the research and biotechnological applications of plant-associated bacteria. It also provides a compilation of current work conducted on plant-bacteria interactions.
