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. India ranks second after China in terms of rice production. The threat to rice yield is encouraged by various biotic and abiotic factors. The increase in rice production required to meet global demand leads to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and ultimately toxicity to human and environmental health. Endophytic microbes have the potential to combat various biotic and abiotic stress causes of rice production. Endophytic microorganisms are used as biocontrol due to their properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, and plant growth promoting which makes it one of the safe and alternative approaches to chemical fertilizers in sustainable agricultural practices. This review briefly summarised the endophytic bacteria of rice plants with their biocontrol potential, plant growth-promoting properties, and their prospects with special reference to northeast India.