Endophytic fungi for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

In view of health effects of pollution related with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, interest has increased to find alternative green methods of fertilization and control of pests. Fungal endophytes (endobionts) can be defined as the microfungi living within the tissues of plant without causing them probable disease symptoms. Endophytic fungi play an important role in the growth promotion and resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses and diseases in plants. They also produce useful compounds as phytohormones, antimicrobial compounds, and many agrochemical bioactive metabolites. These endophytes hold huge potential to be used as safe and cost-effective alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers in view of their wide range of plant growthpromoting activities. The present review article describes the role of endophytic fungi in the agriculture sector.

Keywords

• abiotic stress
• fungal endophytes
• sustainable agriculture
• plant growth promotion