Mycorrhizal Fungal Colonization Research Articles

Mechanism of application nursery cultivation arbuscular mycorrhizal seedling in watermelon in the field

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonisation of plant root facilitates the absorption of nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and enhances plant biotic and abiotic resistance generally. However, arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) colonisation decreases with application of chemical fertiliser. Here, we investigated whether AMF inoculation in nurseries would facilitate AM colonisation and take physiological and ecological functions in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) in the field. Pot experiments were carried out to study the change of AMF colonised seedling on physiology and gene expression in nursery site. Field experiments were performed to investigate the effect of nursery AMF inoculation on yield, quality and disease resistance of watermelon in the field. The results showed that nursery‐inoculated seedlings produced more dry matter and root surface area than non‐inoculated seedlings. Expression of the secretory purple acid phosphatase (PAP) genes ClaPAP10 and ClaPAP26 was up‐regulated following AMF colonisation. Accordingly, acid phosphatase activities at the root surface and P concentrations in seedling were enhanced. After transplantation to the field, the shoot dry matter and P concentration in old stem were higher in the nursery AMF inoculated seedlings than that in non‐AMF inoculated seedling. AMF inoculation also induced increase of yields and decrease of wilt disease indexes and soluble sugar content. In addition, acid phosphatase activities and AMF spore densities were increased by nursery‐inoculation in watermelon rhizosphere soil in the field. In conclusion, nursery colonisation AMF seedling enhanced watermelon growth and yield by improving the root growth and P acquisition in nursery cultivating stage, as well as optimised soil properties in the field. Nursery cultivation of watermelon seedling with AMF was an effective technique to reduce wilt disease in continuous cropped management in watermelon.

Hemiparasitic plants increase alpine plant richness and evenness but reduce arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization in dominant plant species.

Hemiparasitic plants increase plant biodiversity by reducing the abundance of dominant plant species, allowing for the establishment of subordinate species. Hemiparasites reduce host resources by directly removing nutrients from hosts, competing for light and space, and may indirectly reduce host resources by disrupting plant associations with symbiotic root fungi, like arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark-septate endophytes. Here, we explored how a generalist hemiparasite, Castilleja, influences plant richness, evenness, community composition, and mycorrhizal colonization patterns across a ∼1,000 m elevational gradient in the North American Rocky Mountains. We hypothesized that the presence of Castilleja would be associated with increased plant richness and evenness, shaping plant community composition, and would reduce mycorrhizal colonization within dominant plant taxa. However, the magnitude of the effects would be contingent upon climate contexts, that is, elevation. Overall, we found that the presence of Castilleja was associated with an 11% increase in plant richness and a 5% increase in plant evenness, regardless of elevation. However, we found that the presence of Castilleja influenced plant composition at only two of the five sites and at the remaining three of five sites, plot pairing was the only predictor that influenced composition. Additionally, we found that the presence of Castilleja reduced mycorrhizal fungal colonization within dominant plant species by ∼20%, regardless of elevation. Taken together, our results suggest that hemiparasites regulate plant diversity, evenness, and interactions with mycorrhizal fungi independent of abiotic and biotic contexts occurring at the site, although overall effect on community composition is likely driven by site-level factors.

Phosphorus Efficiency Mechanisms of Two Wheat Cultivars as Affected by a Range of Phosphorus Levels in the Field.

Phosphorus (P) efficiency includes both P acquisition efficiency (PAE) and internal P utilization efficiency (PUE). Despite substantial research, genotypic variation in PAE and PUE remains incompletely understood in the field. A 2-year field study was conducted to compare PAE and PUE and related morphological, physiological, and molecular root traits of two winter wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L. cv. SJZ8 and KN92) in response to six P application rates in a P-deficient calcareous soil. Both cultivars showed similar growth and yield potential at each P supply level, reaching optimal growth at the same P application rate of about 100 kg P ha-1. However, the two cultivars differed in how they achieved yield and P efficiency. As P supply increased for both cultivars, root dry weight (RDW), root length density, and expression of the phosphate transporter gene TaPHT1.2 in roots initially increased and then stabilized, but arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization, rhizosphere acid phosphatase activity, expressions of the P-starvation marker gene TaIPS1.1 and the purple acid phosphatase gene TaPAP16 in roots initially decreased and then stabilized. To enhance P acquisition when the P supply was deficient, KN92 modified the morphology of its roots, while SJZ8 increased the physiological activities in its roots. With an adequate P supply, high expression of TaPHT1.2 in roots might account for efficient P uptake for both cultivars, especially for KN92. Although P uptake per RDW was similar for both cultivars at anthesis, PAE was higher for KN92 than SJZ8 in terms of total P uptake in aboveground parts, whereas shoot and grain PUE were higher in SJZ8 than in KN92, mainly during the reproductive growth stage. These results indicate that P efficiency is under genotypic control at all P supply levels tested in both wheat cultivars, and that the two cultivars depend on different root strategies for P acquisition and utilization in response to changes in the P supply.

Long‐term Soil Tillage and Cover Cropping Affected Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Nutrient Concentrations, and Yield in Sunflower

Core Ideas Novel insights in the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi tillage cover crop interaction based on a long term trial. Cover crops and soil tillage affect arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization in the subsequent main crop. Nutrient concentrations and C/N ratio were affected by soil tillage. Reduction of soil tillage and whole‐year coverage are major factors for sustainable agriculture. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are major components of the native soil microbiome in agricultural soils. Soil tillage and cover cropping can play an important role in promoting AMF abundance. In the present study, the results of a field experiment comprising different soil tillage treatments (conventional, reduced, minimum, no‐tillage) in interaction with cover cropping (comprising AMF host and nonhost plants) in a common crop rotation with Triticum aestivum (winter wheat) and Helianthus annuus (sunflower) as the main crops are presented. Different cover crops (in mixtures or as single components) were cultivated in an existing soil tillage experiment established in 2009 in Austria. Soil tillage affected mycorrhization of winter wheat but not of cover crops. A different AMF root colonization were found in several cover crop species and in the subsequent sunflower. In this crop, AMF root colonization and spore density was further affected by soil tillage. The grain yields of the main crops were not altered by soil tillage. Significant interactions of soil tillage and cover cropping were found in the yield of sunflower and the C/N ratios. Furthermore, the nutrient concentrations of the plants were affected by soil tillage. This study shows that reduced soil tillage intensity combined with cover cropping enhances the abundance of AMF in the soil and affects the yield of the following main crop. Notably, mycorrhizal nonhost plants as cover crops do not lead to negative conditions for AMF in a common crop rotation.

English

The inoculation study was conducted in the greenhouse to investigate the effect of phosphorus (P) concentrations on growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization of multipurpose tree legumes Erythrina brucei and Millettia ferruginea. Plant growth parameters (shoot length, dry weight) and P uptake increased significantly after inoculations with AM fungi, Rhizophagus clarus, Rhizophagus intraradices and the mixed species. Results on effect of P application on total Mycorrhizal Dependency(MD) of studied tree species showed that maximum MD values were recorded for R. clarus (34.87%) in M. ferruginea and (26.19%) in E. brucei respectively. For the mixed species was recorded, the next highest MD values 26% in M. ferruginea and 16.67% in E. brucei. The least MD values were recorded for treatments with Rh. intraradices in both trees under study. The optimum P concentrations for maximum benefits from the AM symbiosis in aforementioned tree species varied from 0.005 to 0.02 mg g-1 and corresponding peaks of arbuscules, vesicles, percent root colonization, and spore count per 50 cm3 sand were noticed at similar concentrations. Thus, the results showed that the recorded plant growth peaks were due to AM colonization of the tree seedlings. Therefore, inoculating plants with a suitable AM inoculant could result in a benefit comparable to high P input and lead to a significant saving of inorganic P fertilizer. Key words: Agroforestry, trees, root colonization, spore density.

High levels of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus colonization on Medicago truncatula reduces plant suitability as a host for pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum).

This study sheds light on a poorly understood area in insect–plant–microbe interactions, focusing on aphid probing and feeding behavior on plants with varying levels of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus root colonization. It investigates a commonly occurring interaction of three species: pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum, barrel medic Medicago truncatula, and the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, examining whether aphid‐feeding behavior changes when insects feed on plants at different levels of AM fungus colonization (42% and 84% root length colonized). Aphid probing and feeding behavior was monitored throughout 8 h of recording using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique, also, foliar nutrient content and plant growth were measured. Summarizing, aphids took longer to reach their 1st sustained phloem ingestion on the 84% AM plants than on the 42% AM plants or on controls. Less aphids showed phloem ingestion on the 84% AM plants relative to the 42% AM plants. Shoots of the 84% AM plants had higher percent carbon (43.7%) relative to controls (40.5%), and the 84% AM plants had reduced percent nitrogen (5.3%) relative to the 42% AM plants (6%). In conclusion, EPG and foliar nutrient data support the hypothesis that modifications in plant anatomy (e.g., thicker leaves), and poor food quality (reduced nitrogen) in the 84% AM plants contribute to reduced aphid success in locating phloem and ultimately to differences in phloem sap ingestion. This work suggests that M. truncatula plants benefit from AM symbiosis not only because of increased nutrient uptake but also because of reduced susceptibility to aphids.

Adaptation and tolerance mechanisms developed by mycorrhizal Bipinnula fimbriata plantlets (Orchidaceae) in a heavy metal-polluted ecosystem.

The adaptation and performance of orchid mycorrhizae in heavy metal-polluted soils have been poorly explored. In the present study, proteomic and metabolic approaches were used to detect physiological changes in orchid roots established in a heavy metal-polluted soil and to ascertain whether mycorrhizal fungi affect the metabolic responses of roots. Young Bipinnula fimbriata plantlets were established in control and heavy metal-polluted soils in a greenhouse. After 14months, exudation of root organic acids, phenolics, percentage of mycorrhization, mineral content, and differential protein accumulation were measured. More root biomass, higher root colonization, and higher exudation rates of citrate, succinate, and malate were detected in roots growing in heavy metal-polluted soils. Higher accumulation of phosphorus and heavy metals was found inside mycorrhizal roots under metal stress. Under non-contaminated conditions, non-mycorrhizal root segments showed enhanced accumulation of proteins related to carbon metabolism and stress, whereas mycorrhizal root segments stimulated protein synthesis related to pathogen control, cytoskeleton modification, and sucrose metabolism. Under heavy metal stress, the proteome profile of non-mycorrhizal root segments indicates a lower induction of defense mechanisms, which, together with the stimulation of enzymes related to carotenoid biosynthesis and cell wall organization, may positively influence mycorrhizal fungi colonization. The results point to different metabolic strategies in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal root segments that are exposed to heavy metal stress. The results indicate that root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi is stimulated to alleviate the negative effects of heavy metals in the orchids.

Transgenic American Chestnuts Do Not Inhibit Germination of Native Seeds or Colonization of Mycorrhizal Fungi.

The American chestnut (Castanea dentata) was once an integral part of eastern United States deciduous forests, with many environmental, economic, and social values. This ended with the introduction of an invasive fungal pathogen that wiped out over three billion trees. Transgenic American chestnuts expressing a gene for oxalate oxidase successfully tolerate infections by this blight fungus, but potential non-target environmental effects should be evaluated before new restoration material is released. Two greenhouse bioassays evaluated belowground interactions between transgenic American chestnuts and neighboring organisms found in their native ecosystems. Potential allelopathy was tested by germinating several types of seeds, all native to American chestnut habitats, in the presence of chestnut leaf litter. Germination was not significantly different in terms of number of seeds germinated or total biomass of germinated seedlings in transgenic and non-transgenic leaf litter. Separately, ectomycorrhizal associations were observed on transgenic and non-transgenic American chestnut roots using field soil inoculum. Root tip colonization was consistently high (>90% colonization) on all plants and not significantly different between any tree types. These observations on mycorrhizal fungi complement previous studies performed on older transgenic lines which expressed oxalate oxidase at lower levels. Along with other environmental impact comparisons, these conclusions provide further evidence that transgenic American chestnuts are not functionally different with regard to ecosystem interactions than non-transgenic American chestnuts.

Abiotic soil attributes and their relation to morphological root characteristics and mycorrhizal colonization of grasses

This study evaluated soil properties and their relation to root production and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization of grasses. Soil samples were collected from surface layers to determine the volume, total length, specific length, diameter and dry mass of roots, and grain size and chemical properties of the soil. Sampled roots were used to evaluate mycorrhizal colonization and 50 g of soil to extract spores. A second sampling was conducted to measure soil penetration resistance, macroporosity, microporosity, total porosity and bulk density. Of the morphological traits of the roots, only specific length and diameter were significantly related to soil physical attributes. Root volume was positively related with P, Ca, Mg and organic matter. Almost all of the mycorrhizal variables had no correlation with the physical properties of the soil; only total colonization was positively related to soil penetration resistance (to 0.10 m). AMF had a negative correlation between root colonization and total length of the roots, while the number of spores was inversely related to roots finer than 0.5 mm in diameter and positively related to roots larger than 0.5 mm in diameter. The data were highly variable, indicating the influence of environmental heterogeneity on the investigated characteristics.

Colonization of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in Maize from Three Different Jhum Lands in Mizoram, India

The study was conducted to assess the association of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in maize from three different jhum fallows. The jhum fallows are of three different years i.e., 1-3 years, 4-6 years and 7-10 years. Root samples were taken from maize to study colonization of AMF and spores were recovered from the rhizosphere region of the roots. It was observed that soil properties, rainfall pattern as well as human exploitation affect AMF colonization of roots.

Availability of Phosphorus after Long-term Whole and Separated Slurry Application to Perennial Grass prior to Corn Silage.

Removing solids from whole dairy slurry (WS) can reduce P loading on fields. This study investigated the effects of 11 yr of applications of WS, separated liquid fraction (LF), commercial fertilizer, WS plus fertilizer, and a control on total and extractable (Kelowna) soil P in perennial grass ( Schreb.) and two subsequent silage corn ( L.) crops. Plots received 200 kg N ha with or without 40 kg P ha. Shoot biomass, P uptake, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root colonization, and soil microbial P were determined for corn at six leaves. Whole-crop and grain yield, P uptake, dry matter, and grain content were determined at maturity. The LF treatment received 30% less manure P than WS, had lower extractable soil P at 0 to 15 and 15 to 30 cm, and had lower total P at 0 to 15 cm. Historical treatments had no effect on soil microbial P or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization. At six leaves, corn shoot biomass, P concentration, and P uptake were related to historical P rates in Year 2, but the relationship was not apparent in Year 1. Starter P fertilizer increased shoot yield and P uptake for all treatments in both years. At maturity, most yield parameters for WS and LF were similar in Year 1, but in Year 2, there was a significant response to starter P fertilizer and a positive relationship between historical P rate and corn performance. This study shows that long-term LF treatments reduced the risk of P pollution with relatively little effect on the P response of subsequent corn crops.

Soil microbes regulate forest succession in a subtropical ecosystem in China: evidence from a mesocosm experiment

Ecological forest succession can be influenced by plant-plant interactions that exert contrasting effects on early- and late-successional species. In this study, we explored the role of indirect plant-plant interactions and the underlying microbial mechanisms in forest succession. In a mesocosm experiment, we used Schima superba, a widespread mid-successional species in subtropical China, as a model species to explore how inoculating the rhizosphere soil of Schima affected the performances of two early-successional species (Pinus massoniana and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) and two late-successional species (Cryptocarya chinensis and Machilus chinensis). All direct and indirect correlations between plant performance and soil microbial composition were examined using partial least square path models. Schima inoculum inhibited the growth of the early-successional species but had little effect on the growth of the late-successional species. Inoculation reduced non-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (non-AMF) colonization in both species groups but increased arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization in the late-successional species. The percentage of root lesions in the early-successional species increased with inoculation, while that in the late-successional species decreased. Plant nutrient acquisition was not responsive to inoculation. According to the path models, soil microbes explained 51% of the growth variances in the early-successional species but barely explained any growth variances in the late species. Schima may increase the competitive advantage of the late-successional species over early-successional species by inhibiting the mutualistic association between non-AMF and the latter, which in turn may facilitate forest succession.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Leads to Differential Regulation of Drought-Responsive Genes in Tissue-Specific Root Cells of Common Bean.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization in plants promotes both local and systemic changes in the gene expression profiles of the host that might be relevant for drought-stress perception and response. Drought-tolerant common bean plants (cv. BAT 477), colonized by a mixture of AMF (Glomus clarum, Acaulospora scrobiculata, and Gigaspora rosea), were exposed to a water deprivation regime of 96 h during pre-flowering. Root transcriptomes were accessed through RNA-Seq revealing a set of 9,965 transcripts with significant differential regulation in inoculated plants during a water deficit event, and 10,569 in non-inoculated. These data include 1,589 transcripts that are exclusively regulated by AMF-inoculation, and 2,313 under non-inoculation conditions. Relative gene expression analyses of nine aquaporin-related transcripts were performed in roots and leaves of plants harvested at initial stages of treatment. Significant shifts in gene expression were detected in AM water deficit-treated roots, in relation to non-inoculated, between 48 and 72 h. Leaves also showed significant mycorrhizal influence in gene expression, especially after 96 h. Root cortical cells, harboring or not arbuscules, were collected from both inoculation treatments through a laser microdissection-based technique. This allowed the identification of transcripts, such as the aquaporin PvPIP2;3 and Glucan 1,3 β-Glucosidase, that are unique to arbuscule-containing cells. During the water deficit treatment, AMF colonization exerted a fine-tune regulation in the expression of genes in the host. That seemed to initiate in arbuscule-containing cells and, as the stressful condition persisted, propagated to the whole-plant through secondary signaling events. Collectively, these results demonstrate that arbuscular mycorrhization leads to shifts in common bean’s transcriptome that could potentially impact its adaptation capacity during water deficit events.

Glyphosate decreases mycorrhizal colonization and affects plant-soil feedback

Our aim was to study the effects of glyphosate, tilling practice and cultivation history on mycorrhizal colonization and growth of target (weeds) and non-target (crops) plants. Glyphosate, the world's most widely used pesticide, inhibits an enzyme found in plants but also in microbes. We examined the effects of glyphosate treatment applied in the preceding fall on growth of a perennial weed, Elymus repens (target plant) and a forage grass, Festuca pratensis (non-target plant) and their arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) root colonization in a field pot experiment. Non-target plants were sown in the following spring. Furthermore, we tested if glyphosate effects depend on tillage or soil properties modulated by long cultivation history of endophyte symbiotic grass (E+ grass). AMF root colonization, plant establishment and growth, glyphosate residues in plants, and soil chemistry were measured. Glyphosate reduced the mycorrhizal colonization and growth of both target and non-target grasses. The magnitude of reduction depended on tillage and soil properties due to cultivation history of E+ grass. We detected glyphosate residues in weeds and crop plants in the growing season following the glyphosate treatment. Residues were higher in plants growing in no-till pots compared to conspecifics in tilled pots. These results demonstrate negative effects of glyphosate on non-target organisms in agricultural environments and grassland ecosystems.

Evaluation of the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi infection in three aromatic plants

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the production of secondary metabolites in Petroselinum crispum, Salvia officinalis and Dysphania ambrosioides. Three treatments were established: Control (C), commercial inoculum (CI) and native inoculum (NI). Every 15 days height, stem diameter and number of leaves were measured. The percentage of colonization was assessed by staining of roots, and identification of flavonoids through TLC thin layer chromatography, finally the concentration of total phenols was evaluated by spectrophotometry from the ethanol extracts of each plant. The results of development of biomass and the percentage of colonization show statistically significant difference for the three variables evaluated (P≤0.05) from each culture in the treatment of NI with respect to control, showing a greater effect on plants of S. officinalis (51% and 91%, respectively). Chromatography reveals the presence of flavonoids in the three plants; however this is more intense for the treatment of NI, showing increased production of total phenols in S. officinalis. Finally, the chemical characterization of the substrate shows a higher assimilation of nitrogen and phosphorus (0.11% and 0.35 mg / kg respectively) in S. officinalis associated with a native inoculum (NI).

Intensified dryland crop rotations support greater grain production with fewer inputs

Rising use and costs of agri-chemical inputs to support agricultural production have placed an economic burden on farmers while contributing to environmental and human health issues. Ecologically based nutrient and weed management – the use of ecological processes to replace external chemical inputs – may represent a strategy to support crop growth while achieving positive environmental and economic outcomes. In dryland agroecosystems around the world, farmers are increasingly transitioning toward no-till and intensified cropping systems, in which unvegetated fallow periods are replaced with crops. This study seeks to determine if cropping system intensification represents an ecologically based strategy for managing nutrients and weeds relative to traditional crop-fallow systems, and to understand the implications for crop production and profitability. We quantified total and potentially mineralizable nitrogen (N), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonization of wheat roots and implications for plant phosphorus (P) uptake, 6 years of crop yields, fertilizer and herbicide use, and net operating income across dryland, no-till cropping systems in the semi-arid High Plains, USA. Three levels of cropping system intensity were represented ranging from wheat-fallow (unvegetated fallow every other year) to continuous cropping (no fallow years). After accounting for variability due to environment and site characteristics, total and potentially mineralizable N were 12% and 30% greater in continuous rotations relative to wheat-fallow, respectively. Mid-intensity (fallow every 2 or 3 years) and continuous rotations had roughly 2 and 3 times more AMF colonization than wheat-fallow, respectively, and AMF colonization was positively correlated with wheat plant P concentration. Farmers practicing continuous cropping applied 22 and 34 kg ha−1 less N fertilizer per crop compared to wheat-fallow and mid-intensity, respectively, despite similar and 60% greater annualized crop production than mid-intensity and wheat-fallow rotations, respectively. Additionally, farmers who practiced continuous cropping used less than half the total herbicide used by wheat-fallow farmers. Net operating incomes of continuous and mid-intensity rotations were an estimated 47 USD ha−1 yr−1 (80%) and 42 USD ha−1 yr−1 (70%) more than wheat-fallow, respectively. These results suggest that cropping system intensification, and especially continuous cropping, represents an opportunity to achieve more grain production while managing weeds and nutrients with fewer agri-chemical inputs, leading to greater profitability and improved environmental outcomes in no-till agroecosystems.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Chemical Defence: Effects of Colonisation on Aboveground and Belowground Metabolomes

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonisation of plant roots is one of the most ancient and widespread interactions in ecology, yet the systemic consequences for plant secondary chemistry remain unclear. We performed the first metabolomic investigation into the impact of AMF colonisation by Rhizophagus irregularis on the chemical defences, spanning above- and below-ground tissues, in its host-plant ragwort (Senecio jacobaea). We used a non-targeted metabolomics approach to profile, and where possible identify, compounds induced by AMF colonisation in both roots and shoots. Metabolomics analyses revealed that 33 compounds were significantly increased in the root tissue of AMF colonised plants, including seven blumenols, plant-derived compounds known to be associated with AMF colonisation. One of these was a novel structure conjugated with a malonyl-sugar and uronic acid moiety, hitherto an unreported combination. Such structural modifications of blumenols could be significant for their previously reported functional roles associated with the establishment and maintenance of AM colonisation. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), key anti-herbivore defence compounds in ragwort, dominated the metabolomic profiles of root and shoot extracts. Analyses of the metabolomic profiles revealed an increase in four PAs in roots (but not shoots) of AMF colonised plants, with the potential to protect colonised plants from below-ground organisms.

A differential capacity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization under well-watered conditions and its relationship with drought stress mitigation in unimproved vs. improved soybean genotypes

Modern breeding programs may cause a reduction in plant responsiveness to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that responses such as higher arbuscule formation and mycorrhizal dependency (MD) in unimproved soybean genotypes than in improved genotypes is related to drought stress tolerance caused by enhanced growth parameters and oxidative stress regulation. Firstly, four unimproved and four improved soybean genotypes were compared under well-watered conditions. After 20 days, all of the unimproved soybean genotypes showed increased arbuscule formation, as well as a positive and higher MD index in foliar mineral nutrient and growth parameters compared with the four improved genotypes. Secondly, tolerance to drought stress was evaluated in the two improved soybean genotypes and the two unimproved genotypes selected for the most contrasting response to arbuscule formation under well-watered conditions. After 20 days of 30% of field capacity, arbuscule formation was higher in the unimproved than improved genotypes. Mycorrhizal dependency evaluated as leaf area as well as shoot and root dry mass were highest in the unimproved AM genotypes. Moreover, levels of malondiadehide were lower and proline was higher in the unimproved rather than the improved genotypes. The potential capacity of arbuscule formation is discussed as a selection criterion to identify improved soybean genotypes with increased efficiency under well-watered conditions and an enhanced capacity to relieve drought stress.

High incidence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in rare and endangered wild grapevine

High levels of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonisation of 90–100%, as well as high vesicular and arbuscular colonisation were found in the roots of the rare and endangered wild grapevine (Vitis vinifera subsp. sylvestris) along the Neretva River in southwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, surpassing colonisation in region vineyads.

Nicotiana attenuata's capacity to interact with arbuscular mycorrhiza alters its competitive ability and elicits major changes in the leaf transcriptome.

To study the local and systemic effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonization, Nicotiana attenuata plants impaired in their interactions with AMF due to silencing of a calcium- and calmodulin dependent protein kinase (inverted repreat (ir)CCaMK) were grown competitively in pairs with empty vector (EV) plants, with and without two different types of inoculum. When inoculated, EV plants strongly outperformed irCCaMK plants. Foliar transcript profiling revealed that AMF colonization significantly changed gene expression of P-starvation and -transporter genes in irCCaMK plants. The Pht1 family phosphate transporter NaPT5 was not only specifically induced in roots after AMF colonization, but also in leaves of AMF-colonized irCCaMK plants, and in plants grown under low Pi conditions in the absence of AMF. The P-starvation signature of inoculated irCCaMK plants corresponded with increases in selected amino acids and phenolic compounds in leaves. We also found a strong AMF-induced increase in amino acids and phenolic metabolites in roots. Plants impaired in their interactions with AMF clearly have a fitness disadvantage when competing for limited soil nutrients with a fully functional isogenic line. The additional role of the AMF-induced Pht1 family transporter NaPT5 in leaves under P-starvation conditions will require further experiments to fully resolve.