The role of fungal endophytes in plant pathogen resistance

The term endophyte is a general term used to describe nonpathogenic microorganisms that reside within plants. These microorganisms are diverse, encompassing many orders of both fungi and bacteria, and can either be commensalistic or mutualistic symbionts with their host organisms. Some endophytes can actively fortify their host plant against pathogens by either secreting chemicals that kill or inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or by stimulating plant immune response via activation of the host plants endogenous signaling pathways. Based on their role in normal plant health, endophytes have a potential application in biocontrol of agriculture pathogens.