Endophytes: An emerging tool for biological control

Scope and background of this compilation: In 2003, the Biological Control Committee of the American Phytopathological Society (APS) suggested that the time was right to develop a symposium on endopbytes for the annual meeting of the society to be held in 2005. We were charged with developing a series of topics and speakers that would address the status of endophytes for biological control of plant diseases. That symposium was held in the 2005 meeting of APS, July 30-August 3 in Austin, Texas, where it generated very strong attendance. Preliminary abstracts of presentations were published for that meeting [Various, 2005. Endophytes, an emerging tool for biological control (six abstracts). Phytopathology 95(6), S 138 (Suppl. 1)]. Authors from these presentations are largely represented in this compilation. In addition, we have added additional papers on fungal endophytes for plant disease and insect management. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.