Abstract

The need for chemical-free farming methods is becoming more important due to the detrimental impacts of chemicals on human health and the environment. Finding innovative ways for the establishment of sustainable agriculture is crucial that may avoid the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides as a means of increasing output. Microorganisms that promote plant development and act as biocontrol agents have become safe substitutes for chemical fertilizers in the agriculture sector. Endophytic microorganisms or microorganisms associated with plants, have become a vital and promising tool for sustainable agriculture. Endophytic Streptomyces act as the alternative for preventing disease-causing microorganisms and help to regulate plant growth. Bacteria belonging to the genus Streptomyces are well-known producers of secondary metabolites, which can be potentially utilized to replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The current status of endophytic Streptomyces in sustainable agriculture is employed as safe biocontrol and plant growth-promoting (PGP). This review emphasizes the biocontrol and PGP benefits of the endophytic Streptomyces. Additionally, their ability to enhance plant growth has been confirmed in a number of crops, thus encouraging the wide use of streptomycetes as biofertilizers to increase plant productivity.

Key words: Streptomyces, Endophytes, Biofertilizers, Biocontrol