Endophytes in Forest Management: Four Challenges

Abstract

In spite of exciting, new research, endophytes remain more of a potentiality than an actuality in forestry. Of many upcoming challenges to endophyte applications in forestry, four are discussed in this chapter: (1) the assay-based, selection problem, (2) the question of replacement dynamics within complex, endophytic communities, (3) the need to complement the objectives of tree improvement programs, and (4) the decisions that will need to be made on deliberate introductions of selected endophytes outside sites where they were initially discovered. Ideally, endophytes selected in assays would first be effective as inoculants in improving the survival, growth or defense of trees in the forest setting. Furthermore, inoculants would be resistant to replacement by combative, unselected endophytes, complementary to genetically improved traits of trees in plantations, and unlikely to switch hosts and ecological roles when moved from one part of the world to another. Progress towards applications will likely be made as foresters become more aware of the potential of endophytes to extend host adaptations to pathogens, herbivores, anthropogenic disturbance and climate change.