Page "Endophyte" Paragraph 2

Endophytes may benefit host plants by preventing pathogenic organisms from colonizing them.

Extensive colonization of the plant tissue by endophytes creates a " barrier effect ", where the local endophytes outcompete and prevent pathogenic organisms from taking hold.

Endophytes may also produce chemicals which inhibit the growth of competitors, including pathogenic organisms.

Some bacterial endophytes have proven to increase plant growth.

The presence of fungal endophytes can cause higher rates of water loss in leaves.

However, certain fungal endophytes help plants survive drought and heat.

Plant use of endophytic fungi in defense is a very common phenomenon, primarily involving the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.