Endophytic fungi: plants’ hidden allies
Ecological, agricultural, and pharmacological applications
Keywords:
Endophytic fungi, secondary metabolism, biotechnologyAbstract
Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that live inside plants without causing harm and play key roles in their survival. They are found in almost all plants, although research has mainly focused on economically important species. These fungi produce secondary metabolites with antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer properties, making them relevant in medicine, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, they contribute to plant defense and tolerance to environmental stress. In Mexico, their diversity remains underexplored, but they represent a promising source of compounds with industrial, medical, and agroecological applications.
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