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.
