Abstract:
Endophytic microorganisms are to be found in virtually every plant on earth. These organisms reside in the living tissues of the host plant and do so in a variety of relationships ranging from symbiotic to slightly pathogenic. Because of what appears to be their contribution to the host plant, the endophytes may produce a plethora of substances that may have potential use to modern medicine, agriculture and industry. Novel antibiotics, antimycotics, immunosuppressants, anticancer compounds are only a few examples of what has been found after the isolation, culture and purification and characterization of some choice endophytes in the recent past. The potential prospects of finding new drugs that may be effective candidates for treating newly developing diseases in humans, plants and animals is great. The valleys and mountain sides of Pakistan that harbor and support native populations of plants offer a treasure trove of biologically interesting endophytic microorganisms and they need to be isolated and studied. In many parts of the world, those areas that are relatively untouched such as national biological reserves, parks, or wildlands are likely to be the best sources of promising endophytes.
Page(s):
161-176
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Plant Pathology Journal, Volume: 4, Issue: 2, Year: 2005