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The role of seed-vectored endophytes in seedling development and establishment

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Abstract

Seed-vectored endophytes internally colonize plant seeds and remain without eliciting disease symptoms. Microbes are carried by seeds generation after generation to benefit the host during and following seed germination. Seed-vectored endophytes have been poorly investigated and research targeted at understanding their biology will have immense applications in agriculture and horticulture. Some reports are available on the roles of seed endophytes in plant growth promotion via nutrient acquisition and biocontrol of soil borne diseases, but mechanisms of interaction at the endophyte-host interface, especially during seed germination and seedling establishment, have not been explored adequately. The present paper is intended to review the role of seed vectored endophytes in seed germination, seedlings development and in developing the rhizosphere community. The mechanisms of interaction and movement of seed inhabiting endophytic bacteria are explained with the help of pictorial models.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank UGC, India for providing funds in the form of a startup grant (Project UGC-BSR-M-14-26). SKV and RNK thank the Head and Coordinator of CAS, DST PURSE, FIST of Botany, B.H.U., Varanasi. SKV acknowledges the financial support from ISLS, BHU under UGC-UPE FA-II. The authors are also grateful for support from USDA-NIFA Multistate Project W3157, and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

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  1. Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India

    Satish K. Verma & Ravindra N. Kharwar

  2. Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA

    James F. White

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  1. Satish K. Verma
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  2. Ravindra N. Kharwar
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  3. James F. White
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Correspondence to Satish K. Verma or James F. White.

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Verma, S.K., Kharwar, R.N. & White, J.F. The role of seed-vectored endophytes in seedling development and establishment. Symbiosis 78, 107–113 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13199-019-00619-1

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