Fungal endophytes can eliminate the plant growth–defence trade‐off

Abstract

A trade-off between growth and defence functions is commonly observed in plants. We propose that the association of plants with Epichlo€e fungal endophytes may eliminate this trade-off. Thiswould be a consequence of the double role of these endophytes in host plants: the stimulation of plant growth hormones (e.g. gibberellins) and the fungal production of antiherbivore alkaloids. We put forward a model that integrates this dual effect of endophytes on plant growth and defence and test its predictions by means of metaanalysis of published literature. Our results support the notion that the enhanced plant resistance promoted by endophytes does not compromise plant growth. The limits and ecological benefits of this endophyte-mediated lack of plant growth–defence trade-off are discussed.