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 endophytes 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), S138 (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.