Endophytic actinomycetes: A novel antibiotic source

Abstract

Actinomycetes are one of the most attractive sources of antibiotics and other biologically active substances of high commercial value. In the search of novel source of actinomycetes, endophytes have been demonstrated to improve and promote growth of host plants as well as to reduce disease symptoms caused by plant pathogens and various environmental stresses. Endophytic actinomycetes are ubiquitous in most plants and colonise plants without exhibiting pathogenicity. The culturable diversity of endophytic actinomycetes associated with tropical, native plants is not well explored. Endophytic actinomycetes were untouched area for microbiologist, but in recent years it was found to be efficient producer of novel antibiotic and lead compounds to develop new medicines. A large amount of secondary metabolites especially antibiotics was produced by them not only are useful for plants but also are of economical importance to humans. Although the results of basic research concerning these organisms have not sufficiently been realized, it is important to review the present knowledge of antibiotic production capacity for further exploration in future. In the present paper habitat, diversity, interaction, antimicrobial activity, antifungal activity and effects of endophytic actinomycetes have been reviewed.