Glasnik Zaštite Bilja, Vol. 48. No. 3., 2025.
Professional paper
https://doi.org/10.31727/gzb.48.3.1
Application of endophytic fungal metabolites in ecological plant protection
Jelena Ilić
; Fakultet agrobiotehničkih znanosti, Sveučilište Josipa Jurja Strossmayera u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
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* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that inhabit plant tissues without causing disease symptoms, forming symbiotic relationships that benefit both parties. These fungi synthesize a wide array of secondary metabolites, bioactive compounds that are crucial for their development and enhance plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stress factors. The secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi have demonstrated significant potential as natural antifungal agents and are being explored as alternatives to chemical fungicides, which often have adverse effects on the environment and human health. Despite the identification of numerous metabolites and their proven efficacy in laboratory settings, their widespread adoption in agriculture remains unachieved. Key challenges include legal restrictions, variability in effectiveness under real-world conditions, lack of commercial viability, and insufficient acceptance among farmers. This review examines the primary obstacles to the broader application of secondary metabolites from endophytic fungi and discusses potential solutions and future prospects for the development of these bioactive compounds in plant protection.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
331982
URI
Publication date:
23.4.2025.
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