Plant use of endophytic fungi in defense occurs when endophytic fungi, which live symbiotically with the majority of plants by entering their cells, are utilized as an indirect defense against herbivores.[1][2] In exchange for carbohydrate energy resources, the fungus provides benefits to the plant which can include increased water or nutrient uptake and protection from phytophagous insects, birds or mammals.[3] Once associated, the fungi alter nutrient content of the plant and enhance or begin production of secondary metabolites.[4] The change in chemical composition acts to deter herbivory by insects, grazing by ungulates and/or oviposition by adult insects.[5] Endophyte-mediated defense can also be effective against pathogens and non-herbivory damage.[6]
This differs from other forms of indirect defense in that the fungi live within the plant cells and directly alter their physiology. In contrast, other biotic defenses such as predators or parasites of the herbivores consuming a plant are normally attracted by volatile organic compounds (known as semiochemicals) released following damage or by food rewards and shelter produced by the plant.[7] These defenders vary in the time spent with the plant: from long enough to oviposit to remaining there for numerous generations, as in the ant-acacia mutualism.[8] Endophytic fungi tend to live with the plant over its entire life.