DIVERSITY, ECOLOGY AND POTENTIAL IMPORTANCE OF DARK SEPTATE ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI IN MEXICO

There is a group of fungi which belongs to the root endophytic microorganisms that due to their morphological characteristics are called dark septate endophytes. These fungi are present in most terrestrial ecosystems and can live together or not with mycorrhizal fungi. The understanding of the biology and ecological functions of this group of endophytes represents a new challenge for those researchers focused on the symbiotic relationships. Mexico, despite being recognized as one of the countries with the highest plant diversity worldwide, lacks of information concerning on the ecology and particularly, on the benefits of such fungal endophytes. The later highlights the need for studying emerging research areas related to the isolation, identification and evaluation of dark septate endophytes and thus, to understand their biology, diversity and synergy with other beneficial microorganisms. Such fundamental knowledge will allow the potential use of those fungal endophytes as a biotechnological tool for agriculture and forestry in Mexico.