In the ecosphere, plants interact with environmental biotic and abiotic partners, where unbalanced interactions can induce unfavourable stress conditions. Abiotic factors (temperature, water, and salt) are primarily required for plants healthy survival, and any change in their availability is reflected as a stress signal. In certain cases, the presence of infectious pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and insects can also create stress conditions in plants, leading to the emergence of disease or deficiency symptoms. While these symptoms are often typical of abiotic or biotic stress, however, there are instances where they can intensify under specific conditions. Here, we primarily summarize the viral interactions with plants during abiotic stress to understand how these associations are linked together during viral pathogenesis. Secondly, focus is given to the beneficial effects of root-associated symbiotic bacteria in fulfilling the basic needs of plants during normal as well as abiotic stress conditions. The modulations of plant functional proteins, and their occurrence/cross-talk, with pathogen (virus) and symbiont (bacteria) molecules are also discussed. Furthermore, we have highlighted the biochemical and systematic adaptations that develop in plants due to bacterial symbiosis to encounter stress hallmarks. Lastly, directions are provided towards exploring potential rhizospheric bacteria to maintain plant-microbes ecosystem and manage abiotic stress in plants to achieve better trait health in the horticulture crops.

The yellow mosaic symptoms on soybean (Glycine max) were observed at various sites in the Bundelkhand region of India and infection of begomovirus was detected through PCR. The begomovirus isolates were identified as Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). MYMIV infection in soybean results in the production of reactive oxygen species to activate defense mechanisms at different levels to overcome the damage caused in the severely infected crops. The biomarkers of stress in plants such as, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) contents studies also suggested elevation in stress-related enzymes and also a significant reduction in sugar, chlorophyll, and protein contents have been observed. Previously alteration in biochemical due biotic and abiotic stresses have been reported in different varieties of legumes, but biochemical alterations in soybean infected by MYMIV are being reported for the first time from the Bundelkhand region of India.

The indiscriminate use of synthetic chemicals in agriculture is a major problem of recent times. These chemicals not only affect the environment but also pose severe health issues for humans and animals; therefore, finding new alternatives for sustainable agricultural systems is essential. Moreover, increasing awareness among the population regarding these adverse effects is encouraging a shift in farming practices towards organic and natural agricultural systems. To address the issue of synthetic agrochemicals in crop production, bacterial endophytes could be a promising strategy. These microorganisms reside within any of plant tissues without causing harm, play a critical role in promoting plant health, enhancing nutrient uptake, and increasing resistance to biotic as well as abiotic stresses. In this review, we summarize the literatures published from 2020 to 2024 on the functions of bacterial endophytes in various crops, particularly their applications in managing plant diseases. By reviewing the research work done on bacterial endophyte populations in recent years, we aim to assess their impact on plant growth, nutrient cycling, and resilience against pathogens, and also highlight their industrial applications. Moreover, symbiotic mechanisms owned by bacterial endophytes that enhance crop performance in various geographical locations have also been explored. The findings are expected to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by optimizing bacterial endophyte application to improve yield, reduce dependency on synthetic fungicide inputs against crop diseases, and promote ecosystem health.