Bioprospecting metal-tolerant endophytes for plant growth and Ganoderma control in oil palm under metal stress

Endophytes were studied for their use in controlling Ganoderma boninense (GB), a common pathogen of oil palms, under the influence of metal stress. Their potential use in encouraging the growth of host plants in the presence of metal elements was also determined. Five endophytes which were found to tolerate metals were later discovered through in vitro assays to successfully inhibit the growth of GB under metal stress. The endophytes, however, were less effective in reducing the incidence and severity of GB in plants. From the perspective of encouraging the growth of palms, the metal-tolerant endophytes were less effective under metal stress, in both in vitro assays as well as in host plants.