Endophytic Fungi 7 Increase resistance of host diseaseSome studies indicated that clavicipitaceous endophytes produced indole
derivative compounds, a sesquiterpene, and a diacetamide from Epichloë
festucae that inhibit the growth of other pathogenic fungi (Lee, 2010).
Enhance the ecophysiology of host plantsClavicipitaceous endophytes enhance the ecophysiology of host plants and
enable plants to counter abiotic stresses such as drought (Arechavaleta et al.,
1989) and metal contamination. For example, Neothyphodium coenophialum
infection leads to the development of extensive root systems that enable plants
to better acquire soil moisture and absorb nutrients, resulting in drought
avoidance and faster recovery from water stress. In some cases, endophytes
stimulate longer root hairs and enhance exudation of ‘phenolic-like
compounds’ into the rhizosphere, resulting in more efficient absorption of soil
phosphorus and enhanced aluminum tolerance via chelation (Malinowski and
Belesky, 2000).
4.2. Nonclavicipitaceous Endophytes (Class II)
Traditionally NC-endophytes treated as a single functional group, while
Rodriguez et al., (2009), who showed that NC-endophytes represent three
distinct functional groups.
Class II endophytes include the hyperdiverse endophytic fungi associated
with leaves of tropical trees (Lodge et al., 1996; Fröhlich and Hyde, 1999;
Arnold, et al., 2000; Gamboa and Bayman, 2001), as well as the highly diverse
associates of above-ground tissues of nonvascular plants, seedless vascular
plants, conifers, and woody and herbaceous angiosperms in biomes ranging
from tropical forests to boreal and Arctic/Antarctic communities (Carroll and
Carroll, 1978; Petrini, 1986; Stone, 1988).
Most fungal endophytes species belong to Ascomycetes, with a minority
of Basidiomycetes. Fungal group ‘dark septate endophytes’ (DSE) are
distinguished as a functional group based on the presence of darkly melanized
septa.
The effects of these endophytes on host plant are listed below: