Endophytic Fungi Associated With Cannabis Sativa

Abstract

Cannabis sativa L. is an important herbaceous species with various uses, and endophytic fungi residing within this plant play crucial roles in its growth and defense. This review aims to discusses the different endophytic fungal genera that have been isolated from various Cannabis tissues, including Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Fusarium and those inoculated to the plant in order to study their beneficial or pathogenic effects. We also highlight the values of the physiological and protective roles of the endophytes, such as activating the plant's immune system, producing antimicrobial substances, and engaging in mycoparasitism to inhibit pathogens. However, the mechanism behind this is not fully clarified. The review also highlights how environmental and geographic factors influence the diversity of endophytic fungi associated with Cannabis. In conclusion, further research is needed to fully understand the biological impact of endophytic fungi on Cannabis and their potential as biocontrol agents.