Elucidating the Strategies for Isolation of Endophytic Fungi and Their Functional Attributes for the Regulation of Plant Growth and Resilience to Stress

Accumulating evidences from investigations in the last decade have revealed the significant role of endophytes in regulation of plant growth, communication and stress tolerance. Endophytes establish a mutualistic relationship with plants which is known to be beneficial for both the organisms. A large number of endophytic fungi inhabit various plant parts such as leaf, stem, roots. These endophytic fungi are highly assorted in terms of both diversity and specificity with respect to host association. Meta-genomics has made the procedure of identification of these endophytic fungi quick and reliable and furthermore, critical assessment of endophytic diversity associated with different crop plants and in different ecological niches has helped in developing gene pool of beneficial endophytic fungi. Endophytic fungi have been well characterized and offers great advantage to host plants in sustaining growth and development under diverse climatic conditions. Fungal endophytes play an active role in agriculture as biostimulants for augmenting crop production and protection. This will provide eco-friendly ways to the farmers to enhance both quality and quantity without compromising to plant health as well as without harming ecosystem. The present review summarizes the diverse roles of endophytic fungi in enhancement of growth, plant development and stress tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. Our current understanding of the diverse roles of endophytes shall appear beneficial in crop improvement and sustainability.