DOCSLIB.ORG

Atypical Morphology Variation of Dark Septate Fungal Root Endophytes Of

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Atypical Morphology Variation of Dark Septate Fungal Root Endophytes Of Mycorrhiza (2003) 13:239–247 DOI 10.1007/s00572-003-0222-0 ORIGINAL PAPER J. R. Barrow Atypical morphology of dark septate fungal root endophytes of Bouteloua in arid southwestern USA rangelands Received: 26 June 2002 / Accepted: 23 December 2002 / Published online: 20 February 2003 Springer-Verlag 2003 Abstract Native grasses of semi-arid rangelands of the Keywords Arid · Carbon · Endophyte · Mucilage · southwestern USA are more extensively colonized by Mutualism dark septate endophytes (DSE) than by traditional myc- orrhizal fungi. Roots of dominant grasses (Bouteloua sp.) native to arid southwestern USA rangelands were pre- Introduction pared and stained using stains specific for fungi (trypan blue) and for lipids (sudan IV). This revealed extensive The roots of all vascular plants are universally colonized internal colonization of physiologically active roots by by diverse groups of fungi. These plant fungal associa- atypical fungal structures that appear to function as tions range from pathogenic to mutually beneficial. Root protoplasts, without a distinguishable wall or with very pathogens invade the vascular cylinder, plug or destroy thin hyaline walls that escape detection by methods the conductive tissues, and induce wilting and stunting. staining specifically for fungal chitin. These structures This results in reduced productivity or death of the host were presumed to be active fungal stages that progressed plants. On the other hand, mycorrhizal fungi have to form stained or melanized septate hyphae and significant and well-documented ecological roles in the microsclerotia characteristic of DSE fungi within dormant nutrition and survival of host plants in natural ecosystems. roots. The most conspicuous characteristic of these fungi Mycorrhizal fungi are restricted to and grow both inter- were the unique associations that formed within sieve and intracellularly in cortical and epidermal cells and on elements and the accumulation of massive quantities of the root surface. Mycorrhizal associations enhance plant lipids. This interface suggests a biologically significant nutrition, water relationships and other parameters in location for carbon transfer between the plant and fungus. exchange for photosynthetic carbon (Smith and Read The continuous intimate association with all sieve 1997). Grasses of both managed and native grasslands are elements, cortical and epidermal cells as well as external naturally infected by other fungal endophytes that extension on the root surface and into the soil indicates enhance host vigor, competitive ability and resistance to that they are systemic and considerably more prevalent pests (Clay 1990). than previously thought. A fungal network associated Plant roots are colonized also by numerous species of with a mucilaginous complex observed on the root surface saprophytic fungi with extensive, symptomless endophyt- and its potential role in root function in dry soil is ic or biotrophic phases in their life cycles that are not discussed. It is suggested that those fungi that non- apparent to causal observers (Parbery 1996). Increased pathogenically and totally colonize plant cells be classed attention has been given to an ubiquitous group of as systemic endophytic fungi (SEF). This would refine the miscellaneous ascomycetous fungi, designated as dark broad designation of DSE fungi. The potential mutualistic septate endophytes (DSE). Melanization of their septate benefit of SEF for native plants in arid ecosystems based hyphae and microsclerotia gives them their characteristic on the extent of lipid accumulation and its apparent dark color. DSE fungi may function as pathogens or distribution is discussed. saprophytes, as well as forming mutualistic associations similar to mycorrhizas (Jumpponen 2001). DSE are found J. R. Barrow ()) extensively in cold, nutrient-stressed environments where USDA, Agricultural Research Service, AM fungi do not proliferate (Kohn and Stasovski 1990). Jornada Experimental Range, New Mexico State University, A higher incidence of DSE than AM fungi was found in MSC 3JER, P.O. Box 30003, Las Cruces, NM 88003-8003, USA Carex sp. in subarctic alpine regions (Haselwandter and e-mail: [email protected] Read 1982; Ruotsalainen et al. 2002). Barrow et al. Tel.: +1-505-6467015 (1997) found DSE to be more prevalent than conventional Fax: +1-505-6465889 240 mycorrhizae in native grasses and shrubs in the warm Root preparation and clearing semi-arid rangelands of the southwestern USA. Methods developed by Bevege (1968), Brundrett et al. (1983), DSE are easily visible as stained or pigmented Kormanik et al. (1980), and Phillips and Hayman (1970) were structures under low-power light microscopy. They are modified for optimal visualization of fungi in native grass roots. observed most frequently growing inter- and intracellu- Roots were washed in tap water to remove soil. From each bulked larly within the cortex and the epidermis and on root sample, healthy feeder roots of uniform maturity and appearance (approximately 0.25 mm in diameter) were randomly selected and surfaces. Hyaline hyphae that are continuous with stained cleared by placing in an autoclave in 2.5% KOH. The temperature or melanized structures have been reported by Barrow and was increased to121C over 5 min, maintained for 3 min, and Aaltonen (2001), Haselwandter and Read (1982), New- samples were removed from the autoclave after 8 min. Roots were sham (1999) and Yu et al. (2001). Barrow and Aaltonen rinsed in tap water, bleached in 10% alkaline H2O2 for 10–45 min (2001) carefully examined histochemically stained roots to remove pigmentation, and placed in 1% HCl for 3 min. Decolorized roots were rinsed for 3 min in distilled water (dH2O) of Atriplex canescens, an important chenopodaceous before staining with either trypan blue (TB), sudan IV (SIV) or shrub indigenous to arid southwestern USA rangelands, both. To stain with TB, roots were placed in prepared TB stain with high magnification Nomarski differential interfer- (0.5 g trypan blue in 500 ml glycerol, 450 ml dH2O, 50 ml HCl), ence contrast (DIC) microscopy. They observed active autoclaved at 121C for 3 min and stored in acidic glycerol (500 ml glycerol, 450 ml H20, 50 ml HCl). For SIV staining, roots were non-staining, non-pigmented fungal structures that non- placed in prepared SIV (3.0 g sudan IV in 740 ml 95% ETOH plus destructively and predominantly colonized sieve elements 240 ml dH2O), autoclaved at 121C for 3 min and stored in acidic and were also found frequently in cortical cells. Active glycerol. For dual staining, roots were stained first in TB, forms consisted of hyphae with distinct non-staining, non- autoclaved as above and destained 24 h in the acidic glycerol. pigmented hyaline walls and presumed protoplasts where Roots were then transferred to the SIV stain and autoclaved as above. Dual-stained roots were destained in dH2O for 3 min and fungal walls were not microscopically distinguishable. stored in acidic glycerol until mounting. Chitin, a specific These active structures escaped detection by conventional component of fungal walls, stained dark blue with TB. SIV stained fungus staining and microscopic methods. both plant and fungal lipids bright red. The ecological role of DSE fungi is currently unre- Root segments (10–12 samples 2 cm long) were placed on a microscope slide in several drops of permanent mounting medium. solved. However, their widespread occurrence in cold or A cover slip was placed over the root sections and pressed firmly to drought-stressed ecosystems, their potential to function as facilitate analysis at high magnification. Analysis was done with a mycorrhizal fungi and the extensive internal colonization Zeiss Axiophot microscope using both conventional and DIC optics by active structures suggest that these endophytes are at 1000 magnification. significant components of stressed ecosystems (Barrow and Osuna 2002; Haselwandter and Read 1982; Jumppo- nen 2001). The objective of this study was to analyze the Results roots of native grasses belonging to Bouteloua to determine the nature, location and extent of active forms Lipid bodies of varied shapes and sizes were observed at of DSE fungi. times in all root cells of actively growing plants (Figs. 1, 2, 3). However, they were most prevalent in the sieve elements and frequently occupied their entire volume. Materials and methods Initially, most of the lipid bodies were presumed to be within plant vacuoles; however, examination of many Root collections samples showed them to have fungal coil-like shapes (Fig. 2A, D). As roots tended towards dormancy, TB- Roots were sampled weekly during 2001 from native populations of stained fibers in clumps were observed (Fig. 2B) in the black grama, Bouteloua eriopida sp. (Torr.) Torr., and periodically same roots within a few millimeters; lipid bodies were from native populations of Bouteloua curtipendula Michx. A. Gray. These populations were located on the Jornada Experimental Range observed forming within the clumps (Fig. 2C). Most of the USDA Agricultural Research Service in southern New frequently, lipid bodies in the sieve elements of physio- Mexico. Soil was chronically dry and soil moisture was generally logically active roots were not visibly associated with TB- less than 3% at most sampling times, except for brief periods stained tissue. However, as plants became dormant, following precipitation events, when the soil was nearly saturated. Blue grama, Bouteloua gracilis (Kunth) Lag. Ex Steud., from considerable TB-stained
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Fungal Endophytes from the Aerial Tissues of Important Tropical Forage Grasses Brachiaria Spp
    University of Kentucky UKnowledge International Grassland Congress Proceedings XXIII International Grassland Congress Fungal Endophytes from the Aerial Tissues of Important Tropical Forage Grasses Brachiaria spp. in Kenya Sita R. Ghimire International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya Joyce Njuguna International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya Leah Kago International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya Monday Ahonsi International Livestock Research Institute, Kenya Donald Njarui Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, Kenya Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc Part of the Plant Sciences Commons, and the Soil Science Commons This document is available at https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/23/2-2-1/6 The XXIII International Grassland Congress (Sustainable use of Grassland Resources for Forage Production, Biodiversity and Environmental Protection) took place in New Delhi, India from November 20 through November 24, 2015. Proceedings Editors: M. M. Roy, D. R. Malaviya, V. K. Yadav, Tejveer Singh, R. P. Sah, D. Vijay, and A. Radhakrishna Published by Range Management Society of India This Event is brought to you for free and open access by the Plant and Soil Sciences at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in International Grassland Congress Proceedings by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Paper ID: 435 Theme: 2. Grassland production and utilization Sub-theme: 2.2. Integration of plant protection to optimise production
    [Show full text]
  • Antibacterial Activities of Crude Secondary Metabolite Extracts From
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Article Antibacterial Activities of Crude Secondary Metabolite Extracts from Pantoea Species Obtained from the Stem of Solanum mauritianum and Their Effects on Two Cancer Cell Lines Nkemdinma Uche-Okereafor 1,*, Tendani Sebola 1, Kudzanai Tapfuma 1 , Lukhanyo Mekuto 2, Ezekiel Green 1 and Vuyo Mavumengwana 3,* 1 Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa; [email protected]; (T.S.); [email protected] (K.T.); [email protected] (E.G.) 2 Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa; [email protected] 3 South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa * Correspondence: [email protected] (N.U.); [email protected] (V.M.); Tel: +27-83-974-3907 (N.U.); +27-21-938-9952 (V.M.) Received: 17 January 2019; Accepted: 14 February 2019; Published: 19 February 2019 Abstract: Endophytes are microorganisms that are perceived as non-pathogenic symbionts found inside plants since they cause no symptoms of disease on the host plant. Soil conditions and geography among other factors contribute to the type(s) of endophytes isolated from plants. Our research interest is the antibacterial activity of secondary metabolite crude extracts from the medicinal plant Solanum mauritianum and its bacterial endophytes. Fresh, healthy stems of S. mauritianum were collected, washed, surface sterilized, macerated in PBS, inoculated in the nutrient agar plates, and incubated for 5 days at 30 ◦C.
    [Show full text]
  • A Review on Insect Control and Recent Advances on Tropical Plants
    EJB Electronic Journal of Biotechnology ISSN: 0717-3458 Vol.3 No.1, Issue of April 15, 2000. © 2000 by Universidad Católica de Valparaíso -- Chile Received January 20, 2000 / Accepted February 28, 2000. REVIEW ARTICLE Endophytic microorganisms: a review on insect control and recent advances on tropical plants João Lúcio Azevedo* Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" Universidade de São Paulo P. O. Box 83, 13400-970 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil Núcleo Integrado de Biotecnologia Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, Brazil. Tel: 55-19-429-4251, Fax: 55-19-433-6706 E-mail : [email protected] Walter Maccheroni Jr. Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz " Universidade de São Paulo P. O. Box 83, 13400-970 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil E-mail: [email protected] José Odair Pereira Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias Universidade do Amazonas Campus Universitário, 69077-000 Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil E-mail: [email protected] Welington Luiz de Araújo Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz " Universidade de São Paulo P. O. Box 83, 13400-970 Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil E-mail: [email protected] Keywords : Biological control, Endophytic bacteria, Endophytic fungi, Insect-pests, Tropical endophytes. In the past two decades, a great deal of information on medicinal plants among others. the role of endophytic microorganisms in nature has been collected. The capability of colonizing internal host tissues has made endophytes valuable for agriculture as The natural and biological control of pests and diseases a tool to improve crop performance. In this review, we affecting cultivated plants has gained much attention in the addressed the major topics concerning the control of past decades as a way of reducing the use of chemical insects-pests by endophytic microorganisms.
    [Show full text]
  • A Symbiosis Between a Dark Septate Fungus, an Arbuscular Mycorrhiza, and Two Plants Native to the Sagebrush Steppe
    A SYMBIOSIS BETWEEN A DARK SEPTATE FUNGUS, AN ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZA, AND TWO PLANTS NATIVE TO THE SAGEBRUSH STEPPE by Craig Lane Carpenter A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Biology Boise State University August 2020 Craig Lane Carpenter SOME RIGHTS RESERVED This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE COLLEGE DEFENSE COMMITTEE AND FINAL READING APPROVALS of the thesis submitted by Craig Lane Carpenter Thesis Title: A Symbiosis Between A Dark Septate Fungus, an Arbuscular Mycorrhiza, and Two Plants Native to the Sagebrush Steppe Date of Final Oral Examination: 28 May 2020 The following individuals read and discussed the thesis submitted by student Craig Lane Carpenter, and they evaluated their presentation and response to questions during the final oral examination. They found that the student passed the final oral examination. Marcelo D. Serpe, Ph.D. Chair, Supervisory Committee Merlin M. White, Ph.D. Member, Supervisory Committee Kevin P. Feris, Ph.D. Member, Supervisory Committee The final reading approval of the thesis was granted by Marcelo D. Serpe, Ph.D., Chair of the Supervisory Committee. The thesis was approved by the Graduate College. DEDICATION I dedicate this work to my parents, Tommy and Juliana Carpenter, for their love and support during the completion of this work, for my life as well as the Great Basin Desert for all its inspiration and lessons. iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS With open heart felt gratitude I would like to thank my committee for all their support and guidance.
    [Show full text]
  • “Friendly” Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue for Livestock Production
    Agriculture and Natural Resources FSA2140 “Friendly” Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue for Livestock Production John A. Jennings Introduction Cattle suffering from fescue Extension Livestock toxicosis retain rough hair coats Specialist - Forages Tall fescue is the major cool- (Figure 1), exhibit heat stress during season perennial forage in Arkansas warm periods (Figure 2) and suffer Charles P. West and much of the southeastern U.S. losses of ear tips and tail switches Professor, Department Tall fescue is widely grown throughout during cool periods (Figure 3). Losses of Crop, Soil and Arkansas because of its persistence, in cattle production due to fescue Environmental Sciences ease of management and long growing toxicosis have been estimated at season. Most tall fescue in this region is $50 million annually in Arkansas. Steven M. Jones infected with a fungus that produces livestock Extension Horse toxins called ergot Specialist alkaloids. This fungus (endophyte) lives within the tall fescue plant, improving its drought tolerance and stand persistence on poor soils. Therefore, there is still widespread use of toxic tall fescue in Arkansas, consisting mainly of the variety Kentucky-31. Consumption of toxic endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue depresses body condition, reproduction and milk production in cows and weaning weights in calves. These problems are collectively called “fescue toxicosis.” Grazing toxic E+ tall fescue pastures or consuming Arkansas Is toxic E+ tall fescue hay Our Campus decreases forage intake, lowers average daily gain and alters hormone con­ Visit our web site at: centrations in cattle and Figure 1. Rough hair coats on cattle grazing toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue. https://www.uaex.uada.edu other livestock species.
    [Show full text]
  • Evolution of Endophyte–Plant Symbioses
    Opinion TRENDS in Plant Science Vol.9 No.6 June 2004 Evolution of endophyte–plant symbioses Kari Saikkonen1, Piippa Wa¨ li2, Marjo Helander2 and Stanley H. Faeth3 1MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Plant Production Research, Plant Protection, FIN-31600 Jokioinen, Finland 2Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, FIN-20014 University of Turku, Finland 3Department of Biology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1501, USA All fungi invading plant foliage have an asymptomatic Forces driving fungus–plant interactions period in their life cycle that varies from an imper- Like other host–parasite or host–predator, or host– ceptibly short period (e.g. pathogens) to a lifetime mutualist interactions, endophyte–plant interactions (e.g. Neotyphodium endophytes in grasses). Endo- project to the ecological surface of a dynamic fitness phytic fungus–grass associations are generally treated landscape with adaptive peaks and valleys occupied by the separately from parasitic, pathogenic and saprophytic most and least fit fungus–plant genotype combinations interactions and are viewed as mutualistic associations. within a population [9–11]. Highly integrated and However, endophyte–host interactions are based on specialized symbioses require well-matched architectural, mutual exploitation. Benefits to the partners are rarely morphological, physiological and life history traits of the symmetric and conflicting selection forces are likely to fungus and of the host plant to evolve and persist [5,9].In destabilize them. Unanswered questions are how (i) simplified agro-ecosystems, traits related to defensive genetic diversity of the fungus and phenotypic plasticity plant mutualism can provide a selective advantage to in fungal life history traits, (ii) genetic combinations the host plant, leading to highly integrated symbioses [12].
    [Show full text]
  • Endophyte Mediated Plant-Herbivore Interactions Or Cross Resistance to Fungi and Insect Herbivores?
    Endophyte mediated plant-herbivore interactions or cross resistance to fungi and insect herbivores? Kari Saikkonen E-mail: [email protected] DEFINITION • Wilson 1995: “Endophytes are fungi or bacteria which, for all or part of their life cycle, invade the tissues of living plants and cause unapparent and asymptomatic infections entirely within plant tissues but cause no symptoms of disease” => Includes * Latent pathogens * Dormant saprophytes FUNGAL ENDOPHYTES “Fescue toxicosis” 1948 (New Zealand) 1950 (USA) Bacon, C. W., Porter, J. K., Robbins, J. D. and Luttrell, E. S. (1977). Epichloë typhina from toxic tall fescue grasses. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 34: 576-581. MUTUALISM AS PREVAILING CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK Endophytes increase plant resistance against herbivores??? <=> Clay, K. 2009. Defensive mutualism and grass endophytes: still valid after all these years? In: Defensive mutualism in symbiotic association (eds. M. Torres. and J.F. Jr. White). Taylor and Francis Publications: 9-20. FUNGAL ENDOPHYTES Also tree endophytes attracted increasing attention with a ten years delay (see e.g. Special Feature of Ecology in 1988, vol 69: “Endophyte Mutualism and Plant Protection from Herbivores”). Horizontally transmitted tree endophytes were described as “inducible mutualists” whilst vertically transmitted grass enodophytes were considered “constitutive mutualists” (Carroll 1988) ~7% ~17% ~4% Trees can not escape endophyte infections No E- trees in nature! Saikkonen (2007) Biologically significant? Fungal Biology Reviews 21/2-3:
    [Show full text]
  • Endophytic Hyphal Compartmentalization Is Required for Successful Symbiotic Ascomycota Association with Root Cells
    ARTICLE IN PRESS MYCRES554_proof 11 March 2009 1/10 mycological research xxx (2009) 1–10 1 58 2 59 3 60 4 61 5 62 6 journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/mycres 63 7 64 8 65 9 Endophytic hyphal compartmentalization is required for 66 10 67 11 68 Q1 successful symbiotic Ascomycota association with root cells 12 69 13 70 a,c c b a, 14 Lobna ABDELLATIF , Sadok BOUZID , Susan KAMINSKYJ , Vladimir VUJANOVIC * 71 15 72 aDepartment of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 College Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada 16 b 73 Q2 Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada 17 cTunis El Manar University, Tunis 1060, Tunisia 74 18 75 19 76 20 article info abstract 77 21 78 22 Article history: Root endophytic fungi are seen as promising alternatives to replace chemical fertilizers 79 23 Received 8 January 2009 and pesticides in sustainable and organicPROOF agriculture systems. Fungal endophytes struc- 80 24 Accepted 24 February 2009 ture formations play key roles in symbiotic intracellular association with plant-roots. To 81 25 Corresponding Editor: John Dighton compare the morphologies of Ascomycete endophytic fungi in wheat, we analyzed growth 82 26 morphologies during endophytic development of hyphae within the cortex of living vs. 83 27 Keywords: dead root cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to characterize fungal 84 28 Ascomycota cell morphology within lactofuchsin-stained roots. Cell form regularity Ireg and cell growth 85 29 Cell compartmentalization direction Idir, indexes were used to quantify changes in fungal morphology.
    [Show full text]
  • The Fungal Endophyte Dilemma Commentary
    Fungal Diversity Commentary The fungal endophyte dilemma Hyde , K.D.1,2 * and Soytong, K. 3 1Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China 2 School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand 3 King Mongskut’s Institue of Technology, Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand Hyde, K.D. and Soytong, K. (2008) . The fungal endophyte dilemma . Fungal Diversity 33: 163 -173 . Much has been written on endophytes and there have been many definitions of endophytes propos ed. In th is commentary we comment on the considerable amount of work that has been published on endophytes and detail the various definitions that have been put forward . Mycorrhizal fungi occur within roots which are symptomless and most definitions of end ophytes would accommodate this ecological group. Mycorrhizae however, are not usually regarded in the same mode as endophytes. We highlight what we consider to be some of the major advances in endophyte studies and briefly comment on the occurrence of endo phytes and their roles. The mutualistic role of non grass endophytes is mostly speculative and here we explore the roles of endophytes as saprobes and/or latent plant pathogens. Endophytes, especially those from medicinal plants have become the focus of re search for bioactive compounds – we provide possible explanations for this. The study of endophytes is alluring and we propose reasons for this ; high diversity; easy to apply statistics; easy to study . We discuss some important needs when pursuing endophyt e studies. The isolation of endophytes is a method -dependent process and therefore it should be realized that in any study, the endophytes isolated will be dependent on the method ology used and intensity of the study.
    [Show full text]
  • Endophyte Effects on Plant Growth in Spartina Alterniflora
    Endophyte effects on plant growth in Spartina alterniflora I. Statement of Work Introduction For over 400 million years the success of plants has depended on symbionts (Krings et al. 2007). Endophytes, the symbiotic bacteria and fungi that live inside plants, can help a plant persist in extreme environments (Rodriguez et al. 2009) and mitigate stresses like the high salinity and hypoxic soil found in salt marshes. Spartina alterniflora, smooth cordgrass, is a foundational species of salt marshes on the Gulf and East coasts of the United States. The endophyte community of S. alterniflora has been shown to shift with stress (Kandalepas et al. 2015), potentially to incorporate or enhance community members that would benefit the growth and survival of the plant host. It is unknown, however, how individual endophytes or groups of endophytes influence S. alterniflora growth. Maintaining and restoring salt marshes in the face of global climate change is essential to preserve the massive ecosystem services of salt marshes, including carbon sequestration, water filtration, and coastal protection (Barbier et al. 2011). Restoration efforts have had mixed results, possibly due to inefficient incorporation of the endophytes into the salt marsh community. I propose to study how the growth of S. alterniflora is influenced by individual endophytes and how those effects differ when multiple endophytes are present as a consortium. This will tie into the larger goal of the Van Bael lab to understand the mechanisms through which the plant- microbial community of salt marshes mitigates stress. This will also help to lay Figure 1. Degraded marsh in southern Louisiana. the foundation of my doctoral work to Global climate change is threatening the health of examine the endophyte-plant interactions at these valuable wetlands.
    [Show full text]
  • Fungal Endophytes As Efficient Sources of Plant-Derived Bioactive
    microorganisms Review Fungal Endophytes as Efficient Sources of Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds and Their Prospective Applications in Natural Product Drug Discovery: Insights, Avenues, and Challenges Archana Singh 1,2, Dheeraj K. Singh 3,* , Ravindra N. Kharwar 2,* , James F. White 4,* and Surendra K. Gond 1,* 1 Department of Botany, MMV, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India; [email protected] 2 Department of Botany, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India 3 Department of Botany, Harish Chandra Post Graduate College, Varanasi 221001, India 4 Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA * Correspondence: [email protected] (D.K.S.); [email protected] (R.N.K.); [email protected] (J.F.W.); [email protected] (S.K.G.) Abstract: Fungal endophytes are well-established sources of biologically active natural compounds with many producing pharmacologically valuable specific plant-derived products. This review details typical plant-derived medicinal compounds of several classes, including alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, lignans, phenylpropanoids, quinones, saponins, terpenoids, and xanthones that are produced by endophytic fungi. This review covers the studies carried out since the first report of taxol biosynthesis by endophytic Taxomyces andreanae in 1993 up to mid-2020. The article also highlights the prospects of endophyte-dependent biosynthesis of such plant-derived pharma- cologically active compounds and the bottlenecks in the commercialization of this novel approach Citation: Singh, A.; Singh, D.K.; Kharwar, R.N.; White, J.F.; Gond, S.K. in the area of drug discovery. After recent updates in the field of ‘omics’ and ‘one strain many Fungal Endophytes as Efficient compounds’ (OSMAC) approach, fungal endophytes have emerged as strong unconventional source Sources of Plant-Derived Bioactive of such prized products.
    [Show full text]
  • Patterns of Root Colonization by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Dark Septate Endophytes Across a Mostly-Unvegetated, High-Elevation Landscape
    UC Riverside UC Riverside Previously Published Works Title Patterns of root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes across a mostly-unvegetated, high-elevation landscape Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/4ng7j0m1 Authors Bueno de Mesquita, CP Sartwell, SA Ordemann, EV et al. Publication Date 2018-12-01 DOI 10.1016/j.funeco.2018.07.009 Peer reviewed eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California Fungal Ecology 36 (2018) 63e74 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Fungal Ecology journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/funeco Patterns of root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes across a mostly-unvegetated, high-elevation landscape * Clifton P. Bueno de Mesquita a, b, , Samuel A. Sartwell a, b, Emma V. Ordemann a, Dorota L. Porazinska a, f, Emily C. Farrer b, c, Andrew J. King d, Marko J. Spasojevic e, Jane G. Smith b, Katharine N. Suding a, b, Steven K. Schmidt a a Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309-0334, USA b Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309-0450, USA c Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA d King Ecological Consulting, Knoxville, TN, 37909, USA e Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92507, USA f Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, PO Box 110620, USA article info abstract Article history: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE) are two fungal groups that Received 5 March 2018 colonize plant roots and can benefit plant growth, but little is known about their landscape distributions.
    [Show full text]