Fungal endophytes can eliminate the plant growth – defence trade - off

A trade-off between growth and defence functions is commonly observed in plants. We propose that the association of plants with Epichlo€e fungal endophytes may eliminate this trade-off. This would be a consequence of the double role of these endophytes in host plants: the stimulation of plant growth hormones (e.g. gibberellins) and the fungal production of antiherbivore alkaloids. We put forward a model that integrates this dual effect of endophytes on plant growth and defence and test its predictions by means of meta-analysis of published literature. Our results support the notion that the enhanced plant resistance promoted by endophytes does not compromise plant growth. The limits and ecological benefits of this endophyte-mediated lack of plant growth – defence trade - off are discussed.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Bastías, Daniel A., Gianolini, Pablo Roberto, Gundel, Pedro Emilio
Format:	Texto biblioteca
Language:	eng
Subjects:	ALKALOIDS, ENDOPHYTES, GROWTH DEFENCE TRADE, PHYTOHORMONES, SYMBIOSIS, ,
Online Access:	http://ceiba.agro.uba.ar/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=54778 http://ceiba.agro.uba.ar/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber= http://ceiba.agro.uba.ar/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber= http://ceiba.agro.uba.ar/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber= http://ceiba.agro.uba.ar/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=
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