The mycobiota: fungi take their place between plants and bacteria

Eukaryotes host numerous intracellular and associated microbes in their microbiota. Fungi, the so-called Mycobiota, are important members of both human and plant microbiota. Moreover, members of the plant mycobiota host their own microbiota on their surfaces and inside their hyphae. The microbiota of the mycobiota includes mycorrhizal helper bacteria (for mycorrhizal fungi) and fungal endobacteria, which are critical for the fungal host and, as such, likely affect the plant. This review discusses the contribution that these often-overlooked members make to the composition and performance of the plant microbiota.