Immune and physiological modulation by endophytic fungi in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici-infected plants

Abstract

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is a highly destructive vascular wilt pathogen that can result in significant yield losses globally due to its race-specific virulence and soil persistence. Complex virulence mechanisms, such as hydrolytic enzymes and Secreted In Xylem (SIX) effectors, which facilitate effective colonization and immune suppression, are what propel the infection process. Reduced photosynthetic efficiency and plant collapse result from physiological disturbances such as oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, and impaired water transport. The pathogen's adaptability and resistance to traditional control measures limit current management strategies. In this review, we discuss a promising and environmentally friendly method of controlling Fusarium wilt, a devastating vascular disease that affects many crops globally, is to use endophytic fungi, especially Plant Growth-Promoting Fungi (PGPF). Through direct mechanisms like mycoparasitism, antibiosis, and competition for nutrients and space, as well as indirect mechanisms like induced systemic resistance, hormonal modulation, and microbiome reshaping, these fungi invade plant tissues without harming them, improving growth, nutrient uptake, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. Many endophytic species have shown significant antifungal activity, antioxidant enhancement, and growth promotion in a variety of host plants.