Avoidance of detrimental defense responses in beneficial plant–microbe interactions

•Plant beneficial microorganisms can be rhizospheric, epiphytic or endophytic.•Plant benefits include resistance to abiotic and biotic stress, as well as nutritional benefits.•Beneficial microorganisms are generally first recognized as invaders.•Beneficial microorganisms use multiple mechanisms to protect themselves against plant defense reactions.•Intimate mutualistic relationships involve plant controlled active suppression of immunity.