Beneficial Microbial Partnerships in Mulberry: The Role of Endophytes

Endophytes are microorganisms that live inside the plant tissues without causing any negative impact to the host plant. They are capable of colonizing in any part of a plant like root, stem, leaves, flowers, nodes, fruits and seeds. In general, beneficial endophytes promote host plant growth, increase plant nutrient uptake, inhibit plant pathogen growth, reduce disease severity by acting as an antagonistic organism and enhance tolerance to environmental stresses (Biotic and abiotic stress). They can promote plant growth by the events of nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, sequestering ion and modulating the phyto-hormones. Another way it acts as an antimicrobial agent to furnish an antagonistic effect to pathogens, and secures the plant from disease-causing pathogens. Endophytic microbes can help the plants to withstand in drought conditions by the generation of phytohormones, including salicylic acid, gibberellic acid, indole acetic acid (IAA) and anti-stress metabolites. Mulberry is one of the major commercial crops in respect to its role in the silk industry. The growth and development of the silkworm completely depend on the quality of mulberry leaves. It accumulates a larger microbial population in its various parts, which helps plant growth in various ways. This review discusses various aspects of beneficial endophytes' interactions with the mulberry plant, which could be used to enhance crop protection and productivity.