Abstract

Biological control of pest insects in agriculture is the focus of many studies, because of the risks in the continuous use of synthetic insecticides, which can cause resistant pests or the occurrence of secondary pests. The use of microorganisms like endophytic bacteria has been performed separately or combined with other forms of control in the Integrated Pest Management. Endophytic bacteria live inside host plants, without causing any apparent damage or pathogenicity symptom. Besides performing many functions important to the host, these microorganisms are potentially useful in agriculture, since they are capable of substituting chemical products. By performing biocontrol actions and/or promoting plant growth, these microorganisms are favoring environmental preservation and are thus identified as a viable alternative for ecologically and economically sustainable agricultural production systems. Given the above, this review aimed to present a panorama of the potential application of plant growth-promoting bacteria in the control of pest insects in agriculture, in view of the great biotechnological advances.

Key words: Endophytic bacteria, plant growth promotion, biological control.