With this rationale, we investigated the ecological significance and biocontrol
potency of endophytic microflora harbored inR. marginata(Kusari et al.2014e).
A total of 15 endophytic fungal isolates mainly belonging to genusDaldiniafol-
lowed byRhizopussp.,Xylariasp.,Podosporasp.,Aspergillussp. andHansfordia
sp., and 4 endophytic bacterial isolates belonging toBacillussp., were obtained.
AlthoughBacillussp. is often found in different ecological niches, exhibiting an
endophytic lifestyle in two different plant species containing structurally similar
cannabinoids was noteworthy. Taking such an important ecological perspective into
account, we evaluated the antagonistic potential of endophytes against the same
phytopathogens (B. cinereaandT. roseum)ofCannabisplants and their antimi-
crobial efficacy in inhibiting biofilm formations of generalist pathogens like
Pseudomonas aeruginosaPAO1,Staphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coli.We
observed endophyte-pathogen interactions similar to what was observed for
Cannabisendophytes, coupled to varying growth inhibitions underfive different
media conditions (OSMAC approach), which pointed towards the capacity of
endophytes conferring chemical defense to host plants from specific or generalist
pathogens. An enthralling observation was the emergence and subsequent antag-
onizing potency of an endosymbiotic bacterial species harbored in endophytic
fungal isolate ofR. marginata, under stress conditions induced by pathogens.
Recent studies on endosymbionts in have elaborated their capacity as hidden pro-
ducers of fungal phytotoxins (Partida-Martinez and Hertweck 2005 ). Therefore, our
observation added to the potency of endosymbionts in maintaining colonization
within host plants and exhibiting capacity of thwarting invading pathogens.
Additionally, proper exploitation of such endosymbionts in production of bioactive
natural products might have application in the biotechnological sectors. Further, it
was strikingly important to note the similar biofilm formation and inhibition
capabilities ofBacillusisolates residing in two different plants. Admittedly, our
work was thefirst report of incidence and functional traits of endophytes harbored
inR. marginata(Kusari et al.2014e). Although it is enthralling tofind similar
endophytic isolates with similar traits in two phylogenetically distinct plants, further
research work from various ecological niches is required to gain deeper insights
into the ecological and biochemical principles of the endophytes.
20.7 Conclusion
The exploitation ofCannabisendophytes have demonstrated their vital efficacies in
exhibiting various functional traits such as production of bioactive molecules aiding
in plant chemical defense, antimicrobial activity against generalist pathogens, stress
tolerance against salinity, production of plant growth hormone-like molecules,
attenuation of pathogen virulence via quorum quenching, maintaining interactions
with host plants as well as pathogens, andfinally, harboring potent endosymbionts.
The feasible strategies of translating these traits into agricultural and pharmaceutical
outputs (Fig.20.4) still remain a challenge, owing to the different complexities
20 Cannabis Endophytes and Their Application... 431