Endophytic Fungi: Symbiotic Bioresource for Production of Plant Secondary Metabolites

Endophytes are a diverse group of microbes that asymptomatically colonize the interior organs of higher plants. Fungi and bacteria are also considered endophytes, although the former is more common, adaptable, and pervasive microorganisms that colonize plants growing in practically all geoclimatic situations. Endophytic fungi are a kind of symbiotic fungus that lives inside the tissues of a plant. These fungi have a symbiotic relationship with the plant, providing nutrients and protection while receiving shelter and food from its host. Endophytic fungi can play a significant role in the sustainability of a plant species. Different strains of endophytic fungus are being researched, and the accompanying restrictions are being addressed for maximum use/multidimensional applications as beneficial metabolites with multifaceted environmental effects are progressively being discovered. The current chapter reveals that endophytic fungi are a chemical reservoir of novel compounds and elicit plant secondary metabolites with numerous applications in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Various bioactive metabolites produced by endophytic fungi have shown socioeconomic value and found uses in agriculture and the environment, as well as biofuels and biocatalysts.