Birgit Mitter

TL;DR: A definition of microbiome is proposed based on the compact, clear, and comprehensive description of the term provided by Whipps et al. in 1988, amended with a set of novel recommendations considering the latest technological developments and research findings.

TL;DR: The first metagenomic approach to analyze an endophytic bacterial community resident inside roots of rice, one of the most important staple foods, suggests a high potential of the endophyte community for plant-growth promotion, improvement of plant stress resistance, biocontrol against pathogens, and bioremediation, regardless of their culturability.

TL;DR: The bacterial endophytic microbiome promotes plant growth and health and beneficial effects are in many cases mediated and characterized by metabolic interactions as discussed by the authors, however, further research is needed to make use of beneficial plant-microbe interactions and to reduce pathogen infestation as well as to reveal novel bioactive substances of commercial interest.

TL;DR: Analysis of cultivable bacteria as well as microscopic results indicated that certain endophytic bacteria can colonize flowers, berries, or seeds and that some specific taxa may not only derive from the root environment but also from other sources such as the anthosphere.

TL;DR: The data suggest that maize plants can be protected from inhibitory effects of the drought stress by the harbored bacterial endophytes, although the degree of protection depends on the type of the bacterial strain and the plant genotype.