Roles of leaf functional traits in fungal endophyte colonization: Potential implications for host–pathogen interactions

Fungal endophytes (FE) are an important component of leaf microbial communities. They usually live asymptomatically within tissues; however, FE can provide additional defensive features against pathogens to the host. Leaf functional traits (LFTs) regulate entry, colonization and community composition in plants. There is evidence that thin leaves with less structural chemical but high nutrient content more prone than well-defended thick leaves. This illustrates relevance trade-offs (= increase a trait, decrease another trait) LFTs, suggesting economics spectrum (LES, which describes relationships suite aligned from resource-acquisitive resource-conservative ecological strategy) may be predictor We hypothesize LES-modulated changes internal environment (i.e. thin, low-defended vs. thick, leaves) will (a) have consequences for host resistance due diversity and, subsequently, foliar profile (b) cause switch behaviour pathogenic lifestyle. Synthesis. Still, our knowledge how coexistence between plants regulated remains limited. LFTs act as relevant hub colonization, life natural ecosystems, potential bottom-up effects on other organisms, including pathogens. highlight discuss critical aspects this topic end by proposing new avenues research emerging field.