Progresses and perspectives of studies on plant endophytic microbes in China

Abstract:

Early start of studies on plant endophytic microbes in China mainly focused on actinomycetes Frankia spp.. Since 2000, studies on plant endophytic microbes grow rapidly in various areas and people engaged in. Studies on plant endophytic microbes in China could be characterized as abundant in resource investigations, isolation and incubation, detection of bio-activities, functions of bioactive compounds; few in technological advancement, forest resources, association with hosts, practical applications. The common reported hosts are Taxus spp., mangrove, Podophylloideae, Ginkgo biloba, Orchidaceae. Most reports of resource investigations targeted in screening medicines. Advancements on antimicrobial and antitumor compounds, especially in obtaining strains which can effectively synthesis taxnol, ranked top of progress on plant endophytes. In this review, 24 applied branches within 4 classes of studies on plant endophytic microbes in China were listed, especially non-specific endophytic bacteria in nodules. Well, 6 aspects, including Dark septate endophytes (DSE) need to be improved in the future. Studies on plant endophytic microbes in China are rich in medical plants and resource discovery, while weak in harmful microbes. Finally, we list seven technologies need to be developed for consideration.