Rice crop loss due to major pathogens and the potential of endophytic microbes for their control and management

Millions of people around the world depend on rice as the staple food which is infested by many pathogens causing a huge loss. Synthetic chemicals, fungicides, and bactericides are being used massively to control these pathogens in many countries. Although these pesticides are being able to control many pathogens, non-judicious applications may lead to many environmental and health concerns. Utilization of endophytic microorganisms may be an eco-friendly and sustainable approach in this direction. Endophytic microorganisms remain asymptomatically inside the plants in a symbiotic manner and impart resistance to plants from many biotic and abiotic stresses. Many endophytes have proved to have antagonistic effects toward many pathogens of plants. Some potential endophytes have consistently been isolated from rice and other plants which could control the growth of many rice pathogens. Considering the importance of rice and its many pathogen enemies, research on the use of endophytes to control these pathogens needs to be intensified to minimize crop loss and to meet future rice demands. The present review accentuated the potential of endophytic microorganisms to control some of the important rice pathogens which cause huge loss in many rice-growing areas of the world. This review may encourage researchers for intensified and integrative research in the mentioned area.