Abstract
The rise of the holobiont concept confers a prominent importance to the endophytic associates of plants, particularly to species known to be able to exert a mutualistic role as defensive or growth-promoting agents. The finding that many entomopathogenic fungi are harbored within plant tissues and possess bioactive properties going beyond a merely anti-insectan effect has recently prompted a widespread investigational activity concerning their occurrence and functions in crops, in the aim of an applicative exploitation conforming to the paradigm of sustainable agriculture. The related aspects particularly referring to species of Lecanicillium and Akanthomyces (Sordariomycetes, Cordycipitaceae) are revised in this paper, also in light of recent and ongoing taxonomic reassessments.
Highlights
The great microbial diversity harbored in plants has just started being explored in light of a consolidated awareness that what we manage in the agricultural practice is the outcome of the combined expression of plant and microbial genes [1,2]
This paper offers an overview on the current knowledge concerning endophytism in species of Lecanicillium and Akanthomyces (Sordariomycetes, Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae)
Investigations in more or less peculiar ecological contexts brought to the description of novel taxa of both Akanthomyces and Lecanicillium [10,11], while some species ascribed to the latter genus, such as L. uredinophilum and L. pissodis, were shown to fit in the A. lecanii clade [12]
Summary
The great microbial diversity harbored in plants has just started being explored in light of a consolidated awareness that what we manage in the agricultural practice is the outcome of the combined expression of plant and microbial genes [1,2]. The symbiotic relationships between endophytic fungi and their host plants exteriorize in many ways, ranging from opportunistic saprophytism in senescent tissues, to latent pathogenicity disclosing after the impact of various stress factors, to genuine mutualistic interactions deriving from nutritional support and/or increased protection against pests and pathogens. The latter are relevant for the holistic approach making its way in integrated pest management (IPM), considering the crop production system as a whole in the aim to contain rather than eradicate pests. This paper offers an overview on the current knowledge concerning endophytism in species of Lecanicillium and Akanthomyces (Sordariomycetes, Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae)
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