Roles of endophytic fungi in plant disease control

Abstract

Endophytic fungi are foundinevery plant species. The relationship between the host plant and the fungi is mutualism, and the plant does not show disease symptoms. The roles of the endophytic fungi in plant disease control are, namely: 1)reducing the incidence or severity of diseases caused by various pathogens such as virus, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes; and 2) enhancing the tolerance of plants to adverse environments such as drought, saline soil, acidic soil, and thermal soil. Moreover, endophytic fungi can enhance plant productivity and survive in the host plant for long periods. Therefore, endophytic fungi have the potential for uses as part of integrated pest management or in organic farming systems for sustainable crop production.