Potential ecological effects of Piriformospora indica, a possible biocontrol agent, in UK agricultural systems

•Piriformospora indica can survive UK weather and soil conditions up to 15months.•P. indica has a substantial effect on soil and root microflora in the first 8weeks.•P. indica affects two of tested native weeds and alters their relations with wheat.•P. indica wider effects need to be better understood before agricultural deployment.