Challenges and update on fungal endophytes: classification, definition, diversity, ecology, evolution and functions

Abstract Fungal endophytes have generally been considered as hidden microorganisms that reside asymptomatically within plant tissues and have been exploited for their potential in medicine and plant pathology. They are ubiquitous and associated with nearly all plant species sampled. Even though the exact roles of endophytic fungi within a plant is yet to be established, many speculate that they play important roles in obtaining nutrients and thus improve plant growth, confer plant immunity and promote resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. It has been postulated that endophytes can exhibit different lifestyles and can even switch lifestyle (i.e., from endophytic to pathogenic or saprobic depending…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: 32200015
• GS
  Guangdong Science and Technology Department

  Award: KTP20210313
• GM
  Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau

  Award: 2023A04J1426