Endophytes as Biocontrol Agents

Agricultural sustainability has become pivotal as global demand for eco-friendly practices rises. Among the emerging solutions, endophytes—microorganisms residing within plant tissues without harmful effects—stand out for their biocontrol potential. These organisms, including bacteria and fungi, foster a symbiotic relationship with host plants, promoting growth, stress resilience, and protection against pathogens and pests. The exploration of endophytes’ roles in plant health and their capabilities as biocontrol agents promises to transform traditional crop management strategies, decreasing dependence on chemical pesticides, and aiding environmental preservation.

This Research Topic aims to deepen the exploration of endophytes as eco-friendly biocontrol alternatives in agriculture. It encourages examining their interactions with host plants, which could uncover novel methods for boosting plant immunity and resilience against various pathogens. The potential of endophytes to act as natural biocontrol agents is supported by recent advancements in genetic and genomic technologies. These tools enhance our ability to investigate complex endophytic interactions and identify key traits that contribute to their biocontrol activities.

In seeking comprehensive insights into the applications of endophytes in agriculture, this Research Topic welcomes contributions across several key areas:

o Molecular mechanisms underlying endophyte-mediated plant resistance.
o Isolation and characterization of novel endophytic strains.
o Detailed studies of endophyte-host interactions.
o Impact assessments of endophytes in managing plant diseases.
o Discussions on the ecological and regulatory considerations of employing endophytes in agriculture.

We also invite submissions of original research, in-depth reviews, and case studies demonstrating successful field applications of endophytic biocontrol in sustainable agriculture, aiming to bridge the gap between lab research and practical implementation. Through fostering dialogue and collaboration among researchers, this Research Topic seeks to contribute significantly to global food security and ecological sustainability.

Keywords: Endophytes, Biocontrol, Sustainable Agriculture, Symbiotic Relationships, Plant Microbiome

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.