Presence Of Endophytic Fungi Research Articles

Transcriptional and structural analysis of non-specific lipid transfer proteins modulated by fungal endophytes in Antarctic plants under drought.

Lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) play crucial roles in various biological processes in plants, such as pollen tube adhesion, phospholipid transfer, cuticle synthesis, and response to abiotic stress. While a few members of the non-specific LTPs (nsLTPs) have been identified, their structural characteristics remain largely unexplored. Given the observed improvement in the performance of Antarctic plants facing water deficit when associated with fungal endophytes, this study aimed to assess the role of these symbiotic organisms in the transcriptional modulation of putative nsLTPs. The study focused on identifying and characterizing two nsLTP in the Antarctic plant Colobanthus quitensis that exhibit responsiveness to drought stress. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of Antarctic endophytic fungi on the expression profiles of these nsLTPs, as these fungi have been known to enhance plant physiological and biochemical performance under water deficit conditions. Through 3D modeling, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations with different substrates, the conducted structural and ligand-protein interaction analyses showed that differentially expressed nsLTPs displayed the ability to interact with various ligands, with a higher affinity towards palmitoyl-CoA. Overall, our findings suggest a regulatory mechanism for the expression of these two nsLTPs in Colobanthus quitensis under drought stress, further modulated by the presence of endophytic fungi.

Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Fungi from Aloe vera Leaves and Chemical Analysis of the Alcoholic Extract of the Leaves Using HPLC, GC, and GC-Mass Devices

The study's goals were to separate and identify endophytic fungi from Aloe vera leaves by looking at their morphology and molecules, as well as to find the chemical compounds in the leaf extract by using HPLC, GC, and GC-Mass instruments. The results showed that 53 endophytic fungi were isolated from a total of 120 pieces of A. vera leaves, with a total colonization rate of 44.16%. The fungus Aspergillus terreus had a colonization rate of 14.16%; Aspergillus niger had a colonization rate of 13.33%; Penicillium chermesinum demonstrated a colonization rate of 6.66%; Paecilomyces variotii had a colonization rate of 2.5%; Talaromyces radicus; and Aspergillus flavus achieved a colonization rate of 1.66%. Finally, the fungi Aspergillus quadrilineatus, Talaromyces verruculosus, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Alternaria solani, and Aspergillus niveus achieved a colonization rate of 0.83%. The results of examining the alcoholic extract of the leaves using the HPLC device showed the presence of the chemical compounds aloin at a concentration of 125.39 ppm and aloe emodin at a concentration of 66.59 ppm. We looked at the leaf alcoholic extract with a GC machine and found a group of fatty acids. These included linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic. The GC-MS test revealed a group of active compounds, including Heptane, 1-(ethenylthio), Ethanedicarboxamide, N-allyl-N'-(2,5-dimethylphenyl), 2H-Pyran, 2-(3-butynyloxy) tetrahydro, 1,2-Cyclobutanedicarboxylic acid, 3-methyl-dimethyl ester and 4 (1H)-Pyrimidinone, 2-(propylthio). The presence of endophytic fungi from which effective enzymes or compounds can be isolated could probably have an important role in future medical and therapeutic uses. Also, the leaves of the A. vera plant have medicinal and therapeutic uses for many diseases.

Comparative metabolomic study of fungal foliar endophytes and their long-lived host Astrocaryum sciophilum: a model for exploring the chemodiversity of host-microbe interactions.

In contrast to the dynamics observed in plant/pathogen interactions, endophytic fungi have the capacity to establish enduring associations within their hosts, leading to the development of a mutually beneficial relationship that relies on specialized chemical interactions. Research indicates that the presence of endophytic fungi has the ability to significantly modify the chemical makeup of the host organism. Our hypothesis proposes the existence of a reciprocal exchange of chemical signals between plants and fungi, facilitated by specialized chemical processes that could potentially manifest within the tissues of the host. This research aimed to precisely quantify the portion of the cumulative fungal endophytic community's metabolome detectable within host leaves, and tentatively evaluate its relevance to the host-endophyte interplay. The understory palm Astrocaryum sciophilum (Miq.) Pulle was used as a interesting host plant because of its notable resilience and prolonged life cycle, in a tropical ecosystem. Using advanced metabolome characterization, including UHPLC-HRMS/MS and molecular networking, the study explored enriched metabolomes of both host leaves and 15 endophytic fungi. The intention was to capture a metabolomic "snapshot" of both host and endophytic community, to achieve a thorough and detailed analysis. This approach yielded an extended MS-based molecular network, integrating diverse metadata for identifying host- and endophyte-derived metabolites. The exploration of such data (>24000 features in positive ionization mode) enabled effective metabolome comparison, yielding insights into cultivable endophyte chemodiversity and occurrence of common metabolites between the holobiont and its fungal communities. Surprisingly, a minor subset of features overlapped between host leaf and fungal samples despite significant plant metabolome enrichment. This indicated that fungal metabolic signatures produced in vitro remain sparingly detectable in the leaf. Several classes of primary metabolites were possibly shared. Specific fungal metabolites and/or compounds of their chemical classes were only occasionally discernible in the leaf, highlighting endophytes partial contribution to the overall holobiont metabolome. To our knowledge, the metabolomic study of a plant host and its microbiome has rarely been performed in such a comprehensive manner. The general analytical strategy proposed in this paper seems well-adapted for any study in the field of microbial- or microbiome-related MS and can be applied to most host-microbe interactions.

Presence of endophytic fungi in cacao plantations (Theobroma cacao L.), in the state of Tabasco, Mexico

Objective: the present work was done with the objective of identifying endophytic fungi associated with Theobroma cacao L. in Centro, Cunduacán and Comalcalco, locations in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. The molecular identity used was the region of the Internal Transcribed Spaces (ITS), ITS 1 and ITS 4. Design/methodology/approach: the study identified 15 fungal strains, grouped into 13 different species, belonging to the Ascomycota phylum, distributed in three different classes: Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomicetos and Sordariomycetes. It is important to mention that it is the first record of Endomelanconiopsis endophytica and freycinetiae found in cacao in Tabasco. In addition, we also identified Aspergillus foetidus, fischeri, delicatus arcoverdensis; Thielaviopsis ethacetica, Cophinforma atrovirens, Neurospora udagawae, Diaporthe miriciae, Nodulisporium indicum, Cophinforma atrovirens; Colletotrichum tainanense y hebeiense. Findings/conclusions: Many of these endophytic fungi produce secondary metabolites and antioxidants that can be used in the medical industry or for biological control of phytopathogenic diseases, such as Moniliophthora roreri.

Cultivable Fungal Endophytes in Roots, Rhizomes and Leaves of Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile along the Coast of Sicily, Italy.

The presence of endophytic fungi in the roots, rhizomes, and leaves of Posidonia oceanica was evaluated in different localities of the Sicilian coast. Samples of roots, rhizomes, and leaves were submitted to isolation techniques, and the obtained fungal colonies were identified by morphological and molecular (rRNA sequencing) analysis. Fungal endophytes occurred mainly in roots and occasionally in rhizomes and leaves. Lulwoana sp. was the most frequent of the isolated taxa, suggesting a strong interaction with the host. In addition, eight other fungal taxa were isolated. In particular, fungi of the genus Ochroconis and family Xylariaceae were identified as endophytes in healthy plants at all sampling stations, whereas Penicillium glabrum was isolated at only one sampling station. Thus, several organs, especially roots of Posidonia oceanica, harbor endophytic fungi, potentially involved in supporting the living host as ascertained for terrestrial plants.

Endophytic fungi in blueberry cultivars, in three production areas of Argentina

Blueberries develop a shallow and fibrous root system, with sparse root hairs, normally colonized by mycorrhizal fungi. The presence of endophytic fungi in blueberry roots has been studied mainly in the area of origin of each species. The aims of the present study were to determine the occurrence of endophytic fungi in the roots of southern highbush blueberry (SHB) cultivars, in the three most important blueberry production areas of Argentina, and identify them. Soil samples with blueberry rootlets were obtained and endophytic fungi were isolated from them. Some of them by classical taxonomy identification, and, when this was not possible, PCR amplified material were sequenced (Macrogen laboratory), DNA fragments were analyzed with the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and identified, through GenBank. Blueberry roots were found to be colonized by a large number of fungal genera, which varied greatly among locations and cultivars. Some of the endophytic fungi identified have pathogenic function, others are only plant hosts, and some of them have mycorrhizal function as is the case of genus Oidiodendron where we found O. maius and O. echinulatum. We may conclude that SHB is associated with local ericoid fungi, some of which are mycorrhizal and some dark septate endophytes, which, in most cases, do not match with those found in production regions of their native area, but same of them are important to promote blueberry growth.

A New RoVe Method to Purify Endophytic Fungi from Medicinal Plants Western Ghats of Karnataka India

Endophytic fungi from medicinal plants were hardly ever reported as compared to those from soil and marine sources. The present results associate the presence of endophytic fungi in medicinal plants by isolating them from three medicinal plants i.e. Bombax ceiba, Aloe vera, and Ximenia americana. In the present research investigation, surface sterilization method and media were standardized, and 32 endophytic fungi were isolated from three medicinal plants. We assessed the competence of three different surface sterilization methods and four media for isolation of endophytic fungi. The RoVe method used was more effective in eliminating epiphytic microorganisms. Therefore by using new method we have isolated total of 32 fungal endophytes and those were belongs to Aspergillus nomius (63.20%), Aspergillus niger (41.60%), Thielaviopsis basicola (38.33%), Fusarium oxysporum (33.20%), Pestalotiopsis inflexa (27.20%), Nigrospora sphaerica (20%), Alternaria alternata (15.30%) and Phomopsis archeri (20%). This is the first report of successful isolation of endophytic fungi from the said medicinal plants, for using newly formulated surface sterilization method.

Localization of fungal endophytes through histological study in healthy tissues of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.

Although endophytic fungi are widespread in almost all plants in the environment, few is known about their distribution in relation to specific plant cells and tissue. The aim was to locate endophytic fungi inside healthy leaflets of Murraya koenigii. The leaflet sections after staining with lactophenol cotton blue exhibited the presence of endophytic fungi in intercellular spaces of vascular bundles. In transverse sections at 1000× magnification, scattered endophytic hyphae were found between vessels of xylem tissues.

Various chemical groups produced by endophytic fungi isolated from the Calotropis procera- A pharmaceutically important xerophytic plant

In the present study leaf tissue of host plant Calotropis procera was screened for the presence of endophytic fungi. The crude extract of the isolated endophytic fungi was tested for various chemical groups like alkaloids, flavonoids, diterpenoids and phenols. Our study showed the presence of 25 endophytic fungi isolated from the leaf tissue which constituted15 Hyphomycetes, 3 Ascomycetes, 3 Coelomycetes and 4 sterile forms. The qualitative analysis in all the 25 isolates showed the presence of alkaloid, phenol in 23 fungi, flavonoid in 19 and diterpenoids in 18 fungi. Fifteen endophytic fungi produced all chemical groups tested in the crude extract. Bipolaris sp a hyphomycete produced only one compound in culture. Among the four groups endophytic fungi Coelomycetes group able to produce all chemical groups tested.
 Keywords: Endophytic fungi; Alkaloid; Flavonoid; Diterpenoids

Effects of root endophytic fungi on response of Chenopodium quinoa to drought stress

Symbiotic associations with microbes can help plants to respond to environmental changes. In this study, we investigated how colonization by root endophytic fungi enhances performance of Chenopodium quinoa and its ability to cope with extended periods of drought. The fungus Penicillium minioluteum, which was isolated from quinoa naturally occurring in the Atacama Desert, was used for endophyte colonization. We developed a greenhouse experiment, subjecting endophyte-infected (E+) and endophyte-free (E−) plants to two treatments: water deficit and abundant water availability. Differences in plant performance, photosynthesis, water-use efficiency and photochemical efficiency between E+ and E− plants under both water treatments were examined. We assessed the nature of the plant–symbiont interaction (parasitic or mutualistic) under both treatment conditions. We found that P. minioluteum initially affected radicle growth, subsequently triggering improvements in root formation, with the latter particularly evident under drought conditions. Under low water, E+ plants demonstrated a 40% improvement in root formation relative to E− plants; however, physiological responses to drought were not demonstrably enhanced by the presence of endophytic fungi. The nature of the interaction appeared to be positive, but only under conditions of water stress. Our study demonstrates that, in C. quinoa, P. minioluteum assists in coping with water stress primarily by affecting substantial root biomass adjustments, and that host benefits in this relationship are conferred in conditions of stress only.

Differential methods of localisation of fungal endophytes in the seagrasses

ABSTRACTSections of three seagrass species (Halophila ovalis, Cymodocea serrulata and Halodule pinifolia) were assessed for endophytes based on differential staining using light and fluorescence microscopy method. Acridine orange and aniline blue detected endophytic fungi in 20% and 10% of the segments, respectively, whereas lactophenol cotton blue was more sensitive to detect the fungal hyphae in 70% of the segments. Hyphae were the principal fungal structures generally observed under the cuticle, within the epidermal cells, mesophyll (Parenchyma) cells and occasionally within the vascular tissue that varied in type, size and location within the leaf tissue. Present study also recorded the sporulation for the first time from the seagrass endophytes. Successfully amplified products of the ITS region of endophytic fungal DNA, directly from seagrass tissue and also from culture-dependent fungal DNA clearly depicted the presence of endophytic fungi in H. ovalis with two banding patterns (903 and 1381 bp) confirming the presence of two dominant fungal genera. The fingerprinting of endophytic fungal community within the seagrass tissue was assessed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) that derived with multiple bands that clarified the presence of more than one taxon within the seagrass tissue.

Occurrence of endophytic fungi causing recalcitrance of olive cultivar ‘Istrska belica’ during shoot culture establishment

The primary aim of this study was to establish a micropropagation procedure for the Slovenian frost-tolerant olive cultivar ?Istrska belica?. Establishing an in vitro culture was very difficult due to constant contaminations, tissue browning and stunted shoot growth. A sterile shoot culture was finally achieved by washing with running tap water, immersing in a mixture of ascorbic and citric acid and sterilizing with 70% ethanol and dichloroisocyanuric acid. Shoot growth was optimal on DKW medium supplemented with 4 mg/L of 2iP. Even in optimized conditions, sporadic fungal outbursts occurred. Fungi were isolated and their taxonomic origin was determined by morphological observation and molecular identification. Based on BLAST queries in the NCBI database, five genera of fungi were identified: Cladosporium, Chaetomium, Preussia, Biscogniauxia and Sistotrema, the last three genera being isolated from olives for the first time. A detailed literature search was performed to provide data on previous reports of these genera in relation to their putative endophytic presence and their possible pathogenic status. This is the first study reporting the presence of endophytic fungi in olive tissue culture. The information provided in this work can be very useful for the optimization of micropropagation protocols of recalcitrant olive cultivars and can potentially improve field performance of nursery plants.

Interactive effects of supplemental UV-B and temperature in European aspen seedlings: Implications for growth, leaf traits, phenolic defense and associated organisms

Past studies reveal opposite effects of elevated UV-B and temperature on plant growth and concentrations of UV-B absorbing compounds, yet few studies have dealt with the combined and interactive effects of these two climate change factors on woody dioecious plants. We investigated the interactive effects of UV-B and temperature treatments on growth, leaf traits and phenolic concentrations in Populus tremula L. (European aspen) seedlings. We also considered the consequences of these effects on their associated organisms: herbivorous insects, rust pathogens, the presence of endophytic fungi and whether or not the responses differ between genders and genotypes. Supplemental temperature and UV-B were modulated to +2 °C and +30.77% above ambient conditions, respectively. Warming increased growth, photosynthesis and foliar nitrogen concentration but reduced leaf thickness and phenolic concentrations. On the other hand, supplemental UV-B increased total phenolic glycosides, mainly flavonols and phenolic acids, and partially counteracted the positive effects of warming on growth. Fast growing genotypes were less susceptible to the growth-reducing effect of combined UVB + T, less infected with rust disease and less prone to insect damage probably due to their higher salicylate and lower nitrogen concentrations. Under ambient temperature, the males of European aspen were taller and had bigger leaves than the females, while under elevated temperature, females grew bigger and, under UV-B, had more tremulacin than males. The multiple interactive effects of UV-B and temperature on growth, leaf traits and phenolic compounds, highlight the importance of multifactor experiments as a realistic predictor of plant responses to climate change.

Diversity of The Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Ocimum Basilicum Linn. - A Promising Medicinal Plant

Altogether 105 segments from 15 plants of Ocimum basilicum Linn.were collected from Karnatak University Botanical Garden; Dharwad. And they were screened for the presence of endophytic fungi. A total of 7 fungal species viz, Aspergillus sydowi (Bainier & sartory) Thom & Church. Mycelia sterilia., Alternaria burnsii Uppal, petel., Geotrichum candidum Link., Torula alli (Harz) Saccardo., Fusarium poae (peck) Wr., and Aspergillus clavatus Desm. isolated and identified based on the morphology of the fungal culture and spores with the help of manuals. The present investigation was the diversity of endophytes and colonization frequency was more dominated in host leaves had been determined. Importance of endophytes in medicinal plant has been discussed.

Mycosphaerella dearnessii and Mycosphaerella pini

<i>Mycosphaerella dearnessii</i> and <i>Mycosphaerella pini</i>

Análisis histológico de hongos endófitos en Rosa hybrida

Endophytes are fungi that cause asymptomatic infections in leaves and stems of healthy plants. This study evaluated the presence of endophytic fungi on leaves of Rosa hybrida collected in Bogota, (Colombia) using histological techniques and light microscopy. Histological preparations showed fungal mycelium with few cells in the vascular tissue. Colonization of mesophyll cells was not observed. Visualization of fungal cells within plant tissues is a confirmatory test of the endophytic habitat of fungi isolated from leaves of Rosa hybrida.

Visualising endophytic fungi within leaves by detection of (1→3)-ß- d-glucans in fungal cell walls

The presence of endophytic fungi within symptomless leaves of vascular plants is usually recognised indirectly through culturing methods. In order to understand the biology of fungi isolated as endophytes, there is a need to directly observe their hyphae within the leaves of their hosts. Such observations provide information about the mode of infection, the extent of colonisation within the leaf, and the reaction of the plant to infection by the fungus. Many endophytic fungi develop highly localised infections with small amounts of mycelium, making such direct observations difficult. We describe a method adapted from an electron microscopy protocol that labels one of the constituent components of fungal cell walls with a fluorescent dye and enables them to be observed in thin sections under a compound microscope.

Effect of Endophyte-infected Diets on Selected Blood Parameters and the Histopathological Picture of the Kidney and Liver of Lambs

PODKOWKA L., MIKO£AJCZAK J., ELMINOWSKA-WENDA G. 2005. Effect of endophyteinfected diets on selected blood parameters and the histopathological picture of the kidney and liver of lambs. Folia biol. (Krakow) 53 (Suppl.): 95-98. The aim of the study was to find out if the presence of endophytic fungi and thus of the alkaloid ergovaline in feed affects blood plasma parameters and the histological picture of the kidney and liver of reared lambs. Sixteen growing lambs were divided into 2 groups: control (K) and experimental (D). Animals were fed with meadow hay (0.4 kg), concentrate feed (0.4 kg) and silages (2 kg). Group K received silage from endophyte-free fescue forage while group D received silage from fescue infected with the endophyte fungus Neotyphodium uncinatum (high level of seed infection – 52%, and forage infection – 47%). Blood was taken from the lambs three times (at the start, on the 45 th day and at the end of the study – on 79 th day) to determine the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), creatinine, triglycerides, cholesterol and bilirubin. Kidney and liver samples were taken from each animal postmortem. H+E staining was performed in order to disclose histopathological changes in the interstitial tissue of the kidneys and renal corpuscles. The degree of fatty liver was determined using Oil Red staining. Feeding silages from endophyte-infected meadow fescue forages did not have a clear effect on the plasma parameters of growing lambs. The levels of AspAT and triglycerides were high but did not exceed the upper permissible limit. In the group of animals receiving endophyte-infected silage, the degree of fatty liver was slightly higher with more histopathological changes in the interstitial tissue and renal corpuscles than in the animals fed with endophyte-free diets.

Near‐term impacts of elevated CO2, nitrogen and fungal endophyte‐infection on Lolium perenne L. growth, chemical composition and alkaloid production

ABSTRACTCarbon dioxide has been rapidly accumulating in the atmosphere and is expected to continue to do so. This accumulation is presumed to have important direct effects on plant growth. The interacting affects of a small increase in CO2 concentration (466 p.p.m., approximately 30% increase from current ambient conditions), nitrogen fertilization and fungal endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii) infection on the growth and chemical composition of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were investigated. It was found that dry mass production was approximately 50% greater under elevated CO2 than under ambient CO2, but only in conditions of high soil N. High molecular weight carbohydrates and total carbohydrates (LMW + HMW CHO) depended on an interaction between CO2 and endophyte infection. Infected plants contained significantly more carbohydrate than endophyte‐free plants, and the difference was greatest in ambient CO2 conditions. Protein concentrations were also influenced by the interaction between CO2 and endophyte‐infection. Endophyte‐free plants had 40% lower concentrations of soluble protein under elevated CO2 than under ambient CO2, but this CO2 effect on soluble protein was largely absent in endophyte‐infected plants. CO2, endophyte‐infection and nitrogen interacted to influence the total chlorophyll concentration of the grass such that chlorophyll concentration was always lower in elevated CO2 but this decline was much greater in endophyte‐free plants, particularly in conditions of high soil N. In the endophyte‐infected plants, the concentrations of the pyrrolopyrazine alkaloid peramine depended on the interaction between CO2 and N fertilization such that peramine concentrations declined with increasing N at ambient CO2 but remained roughly constant across N levels at elevated CO2. A similar pattern was seen for the ergot alkaloid ergovaline. The biochemical responses of perennial ryegrass to elevated CO2 are clearly modified by the presence of endophytic fungi.

Allelopathic Effects of Aconitic Acid on Wild Poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla) and Morningglory (Ipomoea grandifolia)

High infestations of alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea) in experimental area have reduced seedbank of some weed species in soil at a greater degree compared to those obtained with the use of an efficient herbicide. Aconitic acid (AA) has been identified in those plants in high concentration. Thus, two experiments were carried out in the laboratory to determine the effects of pure AA on weed seed germination and on endophytic fungi in wild poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla) and morningglory (Ipomoea grandifolia) weed species. Doses of AA (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mM) were introduced in agar-water 0.5% medium and weed seeds treated with and without external sterilization by sodium hypochloride. Four replications of fifty seeds of each species by treatment were sown in plastic boxes with cover and maintained in germination chamber for 12 days. Reduction in germination rate, root and stem growth were observed in both species, as well as reduction in root number in morningglory were also observed at 2.0 mM concentration of AA. An increase in number of seeds with presence of endophytic fungi was also observed in both species, independently of seed sterilization, mainly of a green type fungi coloration in wild poinsettia. Aconitic acid presents allelopathic activity and can stimulate endophytic fungi species growth in weed seeds.