Endophytes-assisted biocontrol: novel insights in ecology and the mode of action of Paenibacillus

Background Biological control is an environmentally sound and effective means of reducing pathogen-induced damage to agriculture using natural antagonists. Paenibacillus is a cosmopolitan and ubiquitously occurring bacterial genus with antagonistic activity against phytopathogens. Many species and strains with promising potential for plant growth promotion and biocontrol of pathogens have been identified since Paenibacillus was first described 20 years ago. Nevertheless, important questions regarding the colonization of plants, and the mode of action of Paenibacillus remain unanswered.