Composition and Characteristics

Endophytes are diverse microorganisms that live within plant tissues, creating a unique internal ecosystem and completing their life cycles without causing harm

Types of Endophytes

Commensal and Mutualistic Endophytes

Endophytes can have commensal or mutualistic relationships with plants, providing benefits such as increased resistance to stressors and enhanced nutrient absorption

Obligate and Facultative Endophytes

Endophytes can be classified as obligate, entirely dependent on the plant for survival, or facultative, able to survive independently before associating with a plant host

Distribution and Interactions

Endophytes are found in a wide range of plant species and their interactions with different plants are influenced by factors such as host plant type, growth stage, and environmental conditions

Colonization and Life Cycle

Endophytic fungi colonize plant tissues and their colonization is influenced by factors such as host plant species, environmental conditions, and the presence of other microorganisms

Benefits to Plants

Stress Resistance and Nutrient Absorption

Endophytic fungi can enhance plant health by increasing resistance to stressors and aiding in nutrient absorption

Production of Secondary Metabolites

Some endophytic fungi produce secondary metabolites that can deter herbivores or confer resistance to abiotic stress in plants

Classification and Reproduction

The majority of known endophytic fungi are ascomycetes, which reproduce through the formation of spores in sac-like structures called asci

Colonization and Life Cycle

Endophytic bacteria inhabit various plant tissues and have a biphasic life cycle that includes both soil and plant phases

Benefits to Plants

Plant Growth Promotion

Endophytic bacteria can promote plant growth by responding to chemical signals in root exudates and finding a stable environment within the plant

Production of Bioactive Compounds

Endophytic bacteria produce bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine, such as antibacterial and anticancer properties

Classification and Colonization

Endophytic bacteria encompass over 200 genera and can colonize various plant tissues through chemical signals in root exudates

Plant Health and Agricultural Productivity

Endophytes play a crucial role in enhancing plant health and agricultural productivity by protecting against pathogens, improving stress tolerance, and reducing disease incidence

Medicinal Potential

Endophytes are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in medicine

Methods of Study

Endophytes can be studied through methods such as surface sterilization of plant material to isolate them from plants or microbial cultures