Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Overview of Fungi

Overview of Fungi

Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes more closely related to animals than other eukaryotes. Fungal cell walls comprise chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength, and glucans, which contribute to flexibility and integrity. Other polysaccharides, such as mannans and galactosans, may supplement or replace chitin in some fungi. These adaptations, along with their preference for acidic environments and tolerance for high osmotic pressure, enable fungi to thrive in various...

The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition

The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition

Plants have the impressive ability to create their own food through photosynthesis. However, plants often require assistance from organisms in the soil to acquire the nutrients they need to function correctly. Both bacteria and fungi have evolved symbiotic relationships with plants that help the species to thrive in a wide variety of environments.

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...

Microbe-Plant Interactions

Microbe-Plant Interactions

Microbe-plant interactions represent a dynamic spectrum of associations shaped by intricate chemical signaling. These interactions can be neutral, beneficial, or detrimental, and profoundly influence plant physiology, growth, and ecosystem function. The plant microbiome, comprising bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, and viruses, plays a pivotal role in mediating these effects through surface colonization, internal colonization, or systemic symbiosis.Mutualistic associations, particularly with...

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota

Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...

Microbial Interactions: Mutualism

Microbial Interactions: Mutualism

Mutualism is a symbiotic interaction in which all participating organisms benefit. These relationships can be obligate or facultative and are fundamental to ecosystem functions across diverse biological systems.Plant–Fungi MutualismOne well-known example is the association between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, such as Rhizophagus species. The fungal hyphae penetrate the root hairs and the epidermis, forming an extensive hyphal network that establishes a symbiotic association. Through this...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Vertically transmitted microbiome protects eggs from fungal infection and egg failure.

Animal microbiome·2021

Same author

Endophyte roles in nutrient acquisition, root system architecture development and oxidative stress tolerance.

Journal of applied microbiology·2021

Same author

Salivary and serum biomarkers of inflammation in a man with metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma and hyperreactive gingiva: a fourteen year odyssey.

Biotechnic & histochemistry : official publication of the Biological Stain Commission·2019

Same author

First Report of Powdery Mildew in Greenhouse-Grown Tomatoes in New Jersey.

Plant disease·2019

Same author

Black Choke Disease Caused by an Ephelis sp. on Purple Fountain Grass in Maryland.

Plant disease·2019

Same author

First Report of Aspergillus flavus Colonizing Naturally Dispersed Seeds of Oxandra acuminata, Pseudomalmea diclina, and Unonopsis matthewsii in Peru.

Plant disease·2019

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Establishing Fungal Entomopathogens as Endophytes: Towards Endophytic Biological Control

Establishing Fungal Entomopathogens as Endophytes: Towards Endophytic Biological Control

Published on: April 11, 2013

Fungal endophytes: diversity and functional roles.

R J Rodriguez^1,2, J F White³, A E Arnold⁴

¹US Geological Survey, Seattle, WA, USA.

The New Phytologist

|February 25, 2009

Summary

Fungal endophytes impact plant communities, but their ecological roles are unclear. New research reveals nonclavicipitaceous (NC) endophytes comprise three functional groups, improving our understanding of plant-fungi interactions.

More Related Videos

Isolation, Characterization, and Total DNA Extraction to Identify Endophytic Fungi in Mycoheterotrophic Plants

Isolation, Characterization, and Total DNA Extraction to Identify Endophytic Fungi in Mycoheterotrophic Plants

Published on: May 5, 2023

Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer

Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer

Published on: September 29, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Establishing Fungal Entomopathogens as Endophytes: Towards Endophytic Biological Control

Establishing Fungal Entomopathogens as Endophytes: Towards Endophytic Biological Control

Published on: April 11, 2013

Isolation, Characterization, and Total DNA Extraction to Identify Endophytic Fungi in Mycoheterotrophic Plants

Isolation, Characterization, and Total DNA Extraction to Identify Endophytic Fungi in Mycoheterotrophic Plants

Published on: May 5, 2023

Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer

Isolation, Behavioral Identification, and Pathogenicity Assessment of Entomopathogenic Fungi from a Forest Wood Borer

Published on: September 29, 2023

Area of Science:

Plant biology
Mycology
Ecology

Background:

Plants in natural ecosystems host diverse fungal endophytes.
These fungi significantly influence plant fitness through stress tolerance and resource allocation.
The ecological significance of fungal endophytes remains poorly understood despite extensive research.

Purpose of the Study:

To re-evaluate the classification of fungal endophytes.
To define functional groups within nonclavicipitaceous (NC) endophytes.
To contrast the ecological roles of clavicipitaceous (C) and NC-endophytes.

Main Methods:

Phylogenetic and life history trait analysis.
Assessment of host colonization and transmission patterns.
Evaluation of in planta biodiversity and host fitness benefits.

Main Results:

NC-endophytes were classified into three distinct functional groups.
These groups differ in host colonization, transmission, and fitness benefits.
A framework was established to contrast C- and NC-endophyte life histories and functions.

Conclusions:

The functional classification of NC-endophytes provides new insights into their ecological roles.
Understanding these functional groups is crucial for characterizing endophyte impacts on plant ecophysiology.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions between plants and fungal endophytes.