Can tiny fungi be secret agents in plant invasions? This comprehensive review explores the complex role of fungal endophytes, symbiotic organisms that live inside plants, in influencing the success or failure of plant species to invade new territories. The authors delve into the community dynamics of fungal endophytes during different stages of plant invasion: transport, introduction, establishment, and spread. Each stage presents unique ecological challenges that alien plants must overcome. Endophytes can either help the host plant overcome these challenges or hinder its progress, depending on various factors such as host identity, life stage, and environmental conditions. Certain fungi are transported as seed endophytes, ensuring vertical transmission to future generations in non-native ranges. In other cases, alien plants acquire endophytes through horizontal transmission from the invaded plant community. By affecting plant growth, reproduction, tolerance, and defense mechanisms, endophytes can significantly influence invasion success. Understanding this complex interplay is crucial for managing plant invasions and preserving the integrity of native ecosystems.
Published in Biological Reviews, a journal known for its comprehensive and synthetic reviews in biology, this article fits the journal's focus perfectly. The paper provides a broad overview of the complex interactions between fungal endophytes and plant invasions, synthesizing findings from various studies and offering valuable insights into ecological processes. Its thorough analysis and clear presentation make it a valuable contribution to the field.