This book introduces novel concepts of coevolution of fungal endophytes with plants, as well as biocontrol through naturally occurring and genetically modified endophytes.

This reference examines intercellular infections in certain plant species that lead to a symbiotic relationship between the host and its endophytic microbes.

It demonstrates the remarkable ability of many types of endosymbionts, acting as a unit with hosts, to better survive, compete, and reproduce-illustrating a number of practical applications of endophytes, such as pharmaceutical development and agricultural management.

Written by over 30 leading international experts, Microbial Endophytes:

• addresses the range of endophyte-host associations, from biotrophic mutualists and benign commensals to necrotrophic, antagonistic pathogens
• surveys the fossil record of endophytes in terrestrial plants
• showcases fungal endophytes such as Taxomyces andreanae, Pestalotiopsis microspora, and others that produce taxol
• describes the role of endophytes in increasing host tolerance to abiotic stresses
• investigates secondary metabolites of endophytes that may enhance survivability of host plants
• highlights clavicipitaceous grass endophytes that produce indole derivatives for use as plant hormones, antifungal agents, hallucinogens, and vasoconstrictors
• assesses the physiological and biochemical basis for defensive mutualisms of the symbiotic unit
• widens the scope of research, exploring evolutionary strategies of mycorrhizal organisms and bacterial and fungal endophytes
• and more!

Microbial Endophytes is an abundant resource for mycologists, plant physiologists, botanists, evolutionary biologists, ecologists, toxicologists, agronomists, and agricultural engineers, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

Contents

1. Association in Stems and Leaves
   1. Overview of Endophytic Microbes: Endophytisms Defined
   2. Rhynie Chert Ecosystem: A Model for Understanding Fungal Interactions
   3. Biotrophic Endophytes of Grasses: A Systematic Approach
   4. Hybridization and Cospeciation Hypotheses for the Evolution of Grass Endophytes
   5. Evidence for Fusarium Endophytes in Cultivated and Wild Plants

2. Associations with Roots and Bacterial Endophytes
   6. Evolution of Endophytism in Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
   7. Biodiversity and Evolution in Mycorrhizae of the Desert
   8. Mycorrhizal Endosymbiosis
   9. Bacterial Endophytes and Their Effects on Plants and Uses in Agriculture

3. Endophyte Phsiology and the Biochemical Arsenal
   10. Physiological Adaptations in the Evolution of Endophytism in the Clavicipitaceae
   11. Polyketide and Peptide Products of Endophytes Fungi: Variations on Two Biosynthetic Themes of Secondary Metabolism
   12. Metabolic Activity, Distribution, and Propagation of Grass Endophytes In Planta: Investigations Using the GUS Reporter System
   13. Alkaloids of Endophyte-Infected Grasses: Defense Chemicals or Biological Anomalies?
   14. Coevolution of Fungal Endophytes with Grasses: The Significance of Secondary Metabolites
   15. Ecology of Woody Plant Endophytes
   16. Do Fungal Endophytes Mediate Wound-Induced Resistance?

4. Ecology of Endophytes
   17. Abiotic Stresses and Morphological Plasticity and Chemical Adaptations of Neotyphodium-Infected Tall Fescue Plants

Index

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