8 Biotechnology and Bioinformatics of Endophytes …
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8.6 Plant Growth-Promoting Mechanisms
The mechanisms employed by soil bacteria and mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to enhance
plant growth have been well studied (Glick 2012; Pereira and Castro 2014; Vimal
et al. 2017). These microbes may affect plant growth either directly or indirectly
(Fig. 8.4) (Paungfoo-Lonhienne et al. 2014; Gond et al. 2015).
a. Direct plant growth promotion
Endophytic bacteria and fungi possess direct plant growth-promoting potentials
through, improving nutrient acquisition or mobilization, regulating or producing
phytohormones, and through enhancing the antioxidant system, etc. (Vardharajula
et al. 2011; White et al. 2019).
Fig. 8.4 Mechanisms employed by soil bacteria and mycorrhizal (AM) fungi to enhance plant
growth