Figure 4
Dynamic relationship between a fungus and its host plant as a function of the fungal lifestyles, Endophyte–Pathogen–Saprotroph, as a circle (EPS Ring).
The endophytic stage represents a balanced interaction between fungal virulence and host defense factors. When this balance is disturbed or the host dies, endophytes may become pathogens or saprotrophs, respectively. Saprotrophs and pathogens may switch their lifestyles to endophytes/pathogens and endophytes/saprotrophs, respectively, in the presence of appropriate environmental factors. H, host; E, endophyte; P, pathogen; S, saprotroph.
