3. Microscopic journey into plants; conversing with bacteria.

Abstract

Throughout their evolution, plants have established associations with members of their ecosystem, which enables their adaptation and development in their natural environment. Among the main organisms with which they form beneficial associations are bacteria. Endophytic bacteria are symbiotic microorganisms that live in the internal tissues of plants. They provide the host plant with various beneficial effects, either directly or indirectly. Directly, endophytic bacteria promote nutrients uptake and enhance plant growth through the synthesis and regulation of plant hormones; indirectly, they contribute to reduce pathogen development by producing antibiotics or by competing for niches and nutrients. Plant endophytic bacteria have been extensively studied due to their diversity and applications in improving plant nutrition or conferring protection against pathogens. The vast diversity of endophytes in plants represents a promising resource in agricultural biotechnology. To date, the study of endophytic bacteria has primarily focused on agriculturally important and wild plants; however, studies on the agave–endophyte system in Mexico are scarce. This study explains the main functions of endophytic bacteria and documents, for the first time, their presence in Agave
potatorum.