A Review on Mycorrhizae and Related Endophytic Fungi as Potential Sources of Enzymes for the Bio-Economy

Ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) fungi and related fungal root endophytes do form symbiotic associations with roots of ericaceous plants. These groups of fungi can have profound impact on community of plants in soil environment. Studies conducted on Hymenoscyphus ericae revealed that H. ericae can produce extracellular enzymes such as phosphatases, proteases, cellulases and pectinases, which support the utilization of nitrogen, phosphorus and permitting access to other valuable nutrient embedded within the soil and decaying plant tissues. Most studies conducted on extracellular enzymes from these fungi majorly focused on the use of plating method to determine activity. Currently, there is little information on extracellular enzymes from ERM for the bio-economy, but there are proofs that some ericoid, ectomycorrhizal and dark septate endophytic fungi have the potential to produce a good number of hydrolytic enzymes in vitro. Therefore, this review seeks to employ available information on these fungi and their ability to produce enzymes when growing in liquid medium where their production can be optimized for commercial purposes.