Endophytic Fungi: From Plant Occupants to Agricultural Allies

About this Research Topic

Background

In recent years, the field of endophytic fungi has gained substantial attention for its pivotal role in plant ecosystems. Historically regarded as mere occupants within plant tissues, these fungi are now recognized as potential key players in sustainable agriculture. There is a growing intrigue over how these fungi contribute to plant health, improved taxonomy, and ecological benefits. While significant strides have been made in understanding their complex interactions, various questions remain unanswered. The ongoing debates touch on their dual facet as vectors of positive plant interactions, yet carriers of mycotoxins. Recent technological advances, particularly in molecular markers, have aided in the accurate identification of these fungal species, shedding light on an array of roles they perform, including defensive mutualism through secondary metabolites. However, further research is needed to incorporate historical perspectives and broaden our comprehension of their ecological implications.

This Research Topic aims to systematically analyze the transition of endophytic fungi from passive plant inhabitants to proactive agricultural allies. By reviewing milestone breakthroughs in taxonomy and molecular identification, this topic seeks to underline key findings in the ecological dynamics of these fungi. The study will explore hypotheses concerning the dualistic nature of the interactions and delve into the biochemical mechanisms underpinning these relationships. A fundamental objective is to unravel the complexities surrounding species identification and explore how secondary metabolites contribute to plant defense systems, enhancing resilience against cultural and environmental pressures.

To gather further insights into endophytic fungi's potential, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• The taxonomy and molecular identification techniques of endophytic fungi.

• Mechanisms of mutualism and interactions between endophytes and plants.

• Secondary metabolites' role in defensive mutualism.

The historical perspective of endophyte-plant interactions.

• Implications of endophytes in agricultural productivity and resilience.

• Challenges associated with mycotoxin contamination and ecological management.

We encourage contributions that align with the journal's focus on microbe-plant interactions, offering fresh perspectives on utilizing these fungi to enhance crop resilience and productivity. Article types may include original research, reviews, and perspective articles.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Endophytic fungi, Sustainable agriculture, Plant-fungi interactions, Corylus avellana, Talaromyces

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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