Introducing Transformative Plant Biotechnology: Mycobiome-based improvement of growth and resilience in plants

Abstract

The application of biofertilizers is considered a viable biotechnological alternative to fuel future sustainable agriculture. In the past few years, an increasing number of research studies have been devoted to understanding the function of biological inoculum in agriculture productivity. Fungi are ubiquitously distributed as forms of symbiosis with most plants. The efficacy of these beneficial fungi on plant growth promotion has gained support from studies indicating their potential as biofertilizers and prospective agricultural applications. However, the theme of biological fertilizers based on fungal products is still underexplored, especially for the mechanisms of plant growth promotion. Here, we demonstrate a fungal isolate AR8 that displays a robust growth-promoting activity on the green leafy vegetable Choy Sum (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis). Colonization by AR8 initiates on the root surface and spreads systemically into the endosphere of Choy Sum with a biotrophic interaction. AR8 is involved in fungus-to-plant nutrient transfer through phosphorus solubilization and extra-radical hyphae transport to promote plant growth, which is generally assigned to mycorrhizal symbiosis. In terms of metabolomics, massive metabolic changes during plant growth upon AR8 inoculation further revealed the link between AR8 endophytic colonization and beneficial effects. Increased concentrations of energy-producing (sugars and amino acids) and adaptive (phenylpropanoids and glucosinolates) metabolites reflect the coordination of fungal interaction and plant growth promotion. Taken together, we uncover a novel beneficial fungus with vast potential as a biofertilizer and/or bio-stimulant for boosting plant biomass; and deciphered the metabolic basis of such mycobiome-based promotion of growth and yield in green leafy vegetable.