ENDOPHYTES, AS PROMOTORS OF in vitro PLANT GROWTH (review)

Abstract

In vitro plant propagation is a developed biotechnology, however until now there are no effective protocols for many perennials, especially for trees. High contamination of mature explants during tissue culture initiation, low multiplication and rooting during following passages are the main challenges. Aseptic culture of explants is associated with stress due to tissue damage and exposition to aggressive disinfectants and antibiotics during initiation. These could be the reasons of virulence of endophytes in following propagation. Plant-associated microorganisms were until recently seen as a problem for micropropagation, leading to contamination of in vitro explants. However recent studies showed that colonization of endophytes often play crucial role for increasing viability of in vitro and ex vitro plants. Most endophytes affect positively plant growth, providing nutrients and exhibiting antagonism to pathogens, as well as decreasing stress effects on plants. Beneficial effects were obtained in using Beauveria bassiana (J.