Press release January 2012

You are not alone – Network of European scientists investigating hidden associations of microrganisms living in plants

Plants are associated with microorganisms, not only outside where we can see them, but inside their cells as well. These bacteria and fungi, known as endophytes, live inside plant cells without inducing disease symptoms, and can provide benefits to the host and the ecosystems where they live. Endophytic microorganisms may function as plant growth and defense promoters by synthesising phytohormones, producing enzymes or precursors for secondary plant metabolites, fixing atmospheric nitrogen and CO2 or controlling plant diseases, as well as providing a source for new bioactive natural products that can be used in pharmaceutical, agrochemical and other LifeScience applications.

To increase knowledge about this hidden association between plants, bacteria and fungi, a network of scientists has been formed that will cooperate within Europe over the next four years: ‘Endophytes in biotechnology and agriculture’ is the name of this new COST Action. COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) was founded in 1971 and is one of the longest-running programmes supporting cooperation among scientists and researchers across Europe. COST provides support for young researchers, scientific conferences, and book publications, as well as a variety of other activities. Beate Ceipek, a young German researcher, went on a Short Term Scientific Mission to the Czech Academy of Sciences and reports that “My stay in Prague, Czech Republic, which was funded by COST, supported my trials very much. I was able to learn methods which I can now implement in my work at home”.

The use of endophytic microorganisms to control plant-pathogenic bacteria and fungi is receiving increasing attention as a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides and antibiotics. The development of inocula of biofertilizers, stress protection and biocontrol agents will help to reduce the input of pesticides and fertilizers and bring European added value to eco-friendly agriculture. The aim of the COST Action is to identify bottlenecks limiting the development of endophytes in biotechnology and agriculture and to provide solutions for the economically and ecologically compatible exploitation of endophytes for future generations.

NIB, Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology (dr. Kogovšek, prof. Ravnikar) and Biotechnical faculty, Department of Biology (prof. Regvar, dr. Likar) are Slovenian representatives in this COST Action. For more information on this COST Action, visit our website at: www.endophytes.eu.