Molecular Microbiology Research 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 226-235 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mmr 229 Additionally, endophytes can form symbiotic relationships with plants, enhancing nutrient uptake and overall plant fitness (Figure 1) (Li et al., 2019; Langill et al., 2023). The presence of beneficial endophytes in seeds ensures that plants have access to essential nutrients from the early stages of development, promoting healthy growth and increased yield. Figure 1 Phyla community results of N. caerulescens from two locations, separated into compartments addressing the bulk soil and the seed endophytes (Adopted from Langill et al., 2023) Langill et al. (2023) demonstrated the differences in microbial community compositions in the soil and seed endophytes of N. caerulescens across two distinct locations. The data indicate a certain degree of similarity in the microbial communities of seed endophytes at both sites, predominantly dominated by the phyla Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. This symbiotic relationship between endophytes and the plant likely provides substantial support for nutrient absorption and overall plant adaptability, as these microbes can help the plant utilize soil resources more effectively and enhance its resilience to environmental changes. 5 Conservation Strategies for Seed-Associated Endophytes 5.1 In situ conservation in natural habitats In situ conservation involves preserving seed-associated endophytes within their natural habitats, ensuring that the ecological interactions and evolutionary processes that sustain these microbial communities are maintained. Studies have shown that endophyte diversity and community composition can be significantly influenced by the natural environment, including factors such as plant host phylogeny and habitat type (Wei and Jiang, 2020). For instance, the conservation of endophytes in wild relatives of domesticated crops, such as teosinte for maize, helps maintain a core microbiota that is crucial for plant health and resilience. Additionally, understanding the dynamics of endophyte communities in natural settings, such as alpine grasslands, can provide insights into the indigenous plant-microbe interactions that are essential for the conservation of these microbial communities (Geisen et al., 2017). 5.2 Ex situ conservation through seed banks Ex situ conservation strategies, such as seed banking, play a vital role in preserving the genetic diversity of seed-associated endophytes. Seed banks store seeds under controlled conditions, which can help maintain the
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