Endophytic microbes promote plant growth and alter host secondary metabolites

Abstract Microbial endophytes form a symbiotic relationship with their host. Almost all plants harbor a niche of endophytic microbes. These symbionts, while residing inside, stimulate plant growth as well as gain property to synthesize host origin compounds. A number of host secondary metabolites have been reported from endophytic microorganisms like the anticancer drugs taxol and vincristine, and antimalarial artemisinin etc. This chapter discusses the mode of endophytic transmission and their potential to promote plant growth and protect from pests. The role of endophytes inducing host metabolites production in planta and the synthesis of host compounds when free living is also discussed in detail, including biotransformation of host compounds by endophytes.