Plant diseases and pest outbreaks pose a critical challenge to global food security, contributing to substantial crop yield losses. While synthetic pesticides have historically mitigated these threats, their long-term use has resulted in environmental degradation, human health risks, and the emergence of resistant pest populations. As a sustainable alternative, endophytic bacteria—microorganisms residing within plant tissues without causing harm—have emerged as promising biological control agents. These bacteria not only enhance plant growth and stress resilience by producing phytohormones, fixing nitrogen, and solubilizing nutrients, but also exhibit potent biocontrol properties through diverse mechanisms. Directly, they suppress pathogens via antibiotic production, secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, and emission of volatile organic compounds. Indirectly, they activate plant defense responses such as Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR), and outcompete pathogens by occupying ecological niches and sequestering essential micronutrients. With their ecological adaptability and compatibility with sustainable farming practices, endophytic bacteria represent a viable component of integrated pest and disease management (IPDM), offering a safer, environmentally friendly approach to crop protection

Endophytic bacteria, Biological control, Plant–microbe interaction, Biocontrol mechanisms, Plant disease management, Integrated pest management

Endophytic bacteria offer a promising and sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. Their multifaceted mechanisms—ranging from direct antagonism to systemic defense activation—make them effective biocontrol agents. Continued research and field validation are essential for their wider adoption in modern agriculture.

Amol Ingle, Rini Sonowal, Suresh Kumar, Swapnil Dhekale and E. Premabati Devi (2025). Endophytic Bacteria as Biocontrol Agents: Mechanisms and Applications in Plant Health. International Journal on Emerging Technologies, 16(2): 64–72