Endophyte fungi from Agarwood and Mangrove and their applications

Abstract

Mangroves are woody trees or shrubs salt marsh halophytes that encompass over 75% of the tropical coastline on the planet. Mangroves are characterized by their sophisticated morphological and physiological adaptations as well as their rich synthesis of biologically active secondary metabolites. They also contribute in decreasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere through photosynthesis. On the other hand, agarwood, is an aromatic perfumed precious heartwood of diseased timber of Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees that is used centuries ago till now as incense in religious ceremonies, raw material in the perfume industry and as a medicine. Agarwood formation is usually induced by wounding trunks and branches of Aquilaria trees. Production of natural agarwood resin is inefficient and don’t meet global demand, so different methods have been applied to stimulate biological agarwood induction, and using endophytic fungi is one of the methods. Hence, this review highlights the importance of endophytic fungi in mangroves and agarwood, their existence and some of their important biological activities.