Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Rice: Role in Biotic and Abiotic Stress Protection and Plant Growth Promotions

Rice (Oryzae sativa) is an edible starchy grain for a significant population of the World, and it supplies more than 50% of calories consumed by the entire human population. Regarding rice production, India holds the second position next to China. The threat to rice yield is encouraged by various biotic and abiotic factors. Increased rice production needed to satisfy global demand results in excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and, in the end, toxicity to human and environmental health. Endophytic microbes have potentials to combat various biotic and abiotic stress causes to the rice production. Endophytic microorganisms also utilized as biocontrol due to its properties such as antibacterial, antifungal and plant growth promotions which make theseas one of the safe and alternative approaches to chemical fertilizers in sustainable agricultural practices. This review, briefly summarised the endophytic bacteria from rice plants with their biocontrol potential, plant growth-promoting attributes and their prospects with special reference to north east India.