ENDOPHYTES
Endophytes may benefit host plants by preventing pathogenic organisms from them. Extensive colonization of the plant tissue by endophyes creates a colonizing barrier effect, where the local endophytes out complete and prevent pathogenic organisms from taking hold. Endophytes may also produce chemicals which inhibit the growth of competitors, including pathogenic organisms. Some bacterial endophytes have been proven to increase plant growths and it help plants survive drought and heat.
The wide range of compounds produced by endophytes have been shown to combat pathogens and even cancers in animals including humans. The wide range of compounds produced by endophytes have been shown to combat pathogens and even cancers in animals including humans. One notable endophyte with medicinal benefits to humans was discovered by Gary Strobel: Pestalotiopsis microspora, an endophytic fungus of Taxuswallachiana (Himalayan Yew) was found to produce taxol.
It is speculated that there may be many thousands of endophytes useful to mankind but since there are few scientists working in this field, and since forests and areas of biodiversity are rapidly being destroyed, many useful endophytes for curing disease might be permanently lost for medicinal use before they are discovered. The effects of climate change on endophytes is being investigated. Studies of plants grown at different climates or at increased carbon dioxide levels have different distributions of endophytic species.
(Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endophyte)
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