endophytes with endophyte-free plant. Although, some
re-searches propose some potential mechanisms of
endo-phyte limiting the pathogen damage, our knowledge
about precise regulation among endophyte, pathogen
and plant still remain in the early age. Here we will
discuss the mechanisms as direct effect (interaction
between endophytes and pathogens), indirect effect
(enhanced plant defense) and ecological effects (occupation
of ecological niche). In the case of direct effect,
endophytes directly suppress pathogens by producing
antibiotic, secreting lytic enzymes. However, the direct
interactions between fungal endophytes and pathogens
are complex and sensitive to species-specific antagonism
(Arnold et al., 2000).