Editorial Special Issue “Endophytes”

Dear Reader,

I am delighted to present a special issue on the topic of endophytes. Endophytic microorganisms live in a beneficial symbiosis with their host plants. Although their strategies for survival are mostly unknown, multitrophic physiological and chemical interactions are considered crucial elements. Such crosstalk contributes to host plant metabolic function and protects plants against pests and diseases by producing bioactive metabolites. The interaction between endophytes and plants results in the coevolution of specific functional traits of both agricultural and ecological importance. These traits range from bioactive secondary metabolite production to physical, chemical, and molecular communication to promoting defense against biotic and abiotic stresses.

Publication History

Article published online:
22 September 2020