Endophyte
Endophyte
Endophyte (pronunciation: /ˈɛndəˌfaɪt/) is a term derived from the Greek words "endo-" meaning "inside" and "-phyte" meaning "plant". It refers to a type of symbiotic organism, often a fungus or bacteria, that lives inside a plant for at least part of its life cycle without causing apparent disease.
Etymology
The term "endophyte" comes from the Greek words "endo-", meaning "inside", and "-phyte", meaning "plant". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe microorganisms that lived within plant tissues.
Definition
Endophytes are organisms, usually fungi or bacteria, that live inside plants without causing apparent harm. They are found in virtually all plant species and can provide a range of benefits to their host plants, including protection against pathogens and insects, and assistance in nutrient acquisition.
Types of Endophytes
There are two main types of endophytes: clavicipitaceous endophytes and non-clavicipitaceous endophytes. Clavicipitaceous endophytes are a group of fungi that form mutualistic associations with grasses, while non-clavicipitaceous endophytes can be found in a wide range of plant species.
Benefits of Endophytes
Endophytes can provide a number of benefits to their host plants. They can help to protect the plant from pathogens and insects, assist in nutrient acquisition, and may even help the plant to tolerate environmental stressors such as drought or high temperatures.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Endophyte
- Wikipedia's article - Endophyte
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