Article
Plant Sciences
Marzena Sujkowska-Rybkowska, Anna Lisek, Beata Sumorok, Edyta Derkowska, Magdalena Szymanska, Lidia Sas-Paszt
Summary: The old Zn-Pb-contaminated tailings in southern Poland are colonized by metal-tolerant Anthyllis vulneraria L. plants, which form symbiotic associations with nitrogen-fixing rhizobia and phosphorus-acquiring arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The mycorrhizal status and diversity of the fungi in these legumes have been poorly studied. Metal ions accumulate mainly in the nodules and fungal structures in the roots, rather than the plant cell walls. The mycorrhization parameters for the plants in the tailings were significantly higher than those in the non-metallicolous site, indicating a potential role of the unique fungal symbionts in enhancing plant tolerance to heavy metal stress.
Article
Plant Sciences
Chenglei Wang, Karen Velandia, Choon-Tak Kwon, Kate E. Wulf, David S. Nichols, James B. Reid, Eloise Foo
Summary: Plants form mutualistic nutrient-acquiring symbioses with microbes like arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and employ a negative feedback loop called autoregulation of mycorrhizae (AOM) to limit the formation of these symbioses. Specific genes like FAB, FIN, and SlCLV2 have been identified as playing roles in negatively regulating arbuscular mycorrhizal formation in tomato. Furthermore, external nutrients such as phosphate and nitrate can strongly suppress arbuscular mycorrhizal formation, with FAB and FIN being required for nitrate suppression but not for phosphate suppression. This suggests a deep homology in the symbiotic role of these genes, potentially forming a common symbiotic toolkit for beneficial plant-microbe interactions.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Alex C. Johnson, Thomas H. Pendergast, Srinivasa Chaluvadi, Jeffrey L. Bennetzen, Katrien M. Devos
Summary: This study investigated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on miRNA expression in switchgrass. Through miRNA analysis and degradome sequencing, it was found that both upland and lowland genotypes, as well as upland-lowland hybrids, responded to mycorrhizal symbiosis and targets of miRNAs involved in symbiosis were identified. Copper miRNA downregulation was common amongst the different genotypes, and superoxide dismutases and laccases were among the identified targets.
Article
Agronomy
David Pessanha Siqueira, Andreia Francisca Riter Netto, Juliana Muller Freire, Deborah Guerra Barroso
Summary: The research confirmed the natural mycorrhizal colonization in monospecific plantations of Plathymenia reticulata and Dalbergia nigra, with different fungal species associated with AMF found in the soil under each species.
Article
Plant Sciences
Thomas B. Irving, Sanhita Chakraborty, Sergey Ivanov, Michael Schultze, Kirankumar S. Mysore, Maria J. Harrison, Jean-Michel Ane
Summary: This study characterized the symbiotic phenotypes of four Medicago truncatula mutants and identified two genes, RAM1 and KIN3, involved in mycorrhization. The results showed that RAM1 acts upstream of KIN3 and that KIN3 is involved in suppressing plant defenses and promoting root colonization. KIN3 also plays an essential role in the symbiotic response to soil nitrogen levels.
Article
Forestry
Dan Du, Stephen J. Livesley, Stefan K. Arndt, Camille Truong, Rebecca E. Miller
Summary: A study found that the use of compost tea did not have a positive effect on the growth and root mycorrhizal colonization of container-grown trees. This suggests that compost tea may not be beneficial for tree growth in a nursery setting, and further research is needed to investigate its potential benefits in urban landscapes.
Article
Microbiology
Ozede N. Igiehon, Olubukola O. Babalola
Summary: This study investigated the effects of rhizobia species and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on soybean tolerance to drought stress, showing significant impacts on soybean growth and yield. Co-inoculation of rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi enhanced soybean growth under drought conditions, indicating the biotechnological potential of harnessing these microbial agents to address food insecurity.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Jennifer R. Balacco, Bhagyashree P. Vaidya, Diane F. Hagmann, Nina M. Goodey, Jennifer Adams Krumins
Summary: This study evaluated the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in facilitating plant production in post-industrial soils. The findings showed that AMF inoculation increased plant biomass and root/shoot ratio, improving plant growth in contaminated soils.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Cosme, Ivan Fernandez, Stephane Declerck, Marcel G. A. van der Heijden, Corne M. J. Pieterse
Summary: The study shows that overexpression of genes involved in coumarin production and secretion can alleviate mycorrhizal incompatibility in nonhost Arabidopsis plants. Root-secreted coumarins stimulate fungal metabolism and promote initial steps of mycorrhizal colonization, revealing hidden tools in nonhost plants that can aid in early stages of mycorrhizal association.
PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dongguang Yang, Li Wang, Fang Ma, Gen Wang, Yongqiang You
Summary: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are harmful to plants, but arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can alleviate their toxicity. Concentration is the main factor influencing the phytotoxicity of AgNPs. Different antioxidant enzymes have different tolerances to AgNPs, and the growth configuration and Ag accumulation and translocation in plants are less affected by AgNPs. AMF inoculation improves plant antioxidant capability and biomass growth, and regulates the root:shoot ratio to cope with AgNP stress.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yingying Liu, Wenzhi Cui, Wenguang Li, Shuang Xu, Yuhuan Sun, Guangjian Xu, Fayuan Wang
Summary: Both microplastics (MPs) and cadmium (Cd) are common contaminants in soil-rice systems and their combined effects on rice and soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) were explored. The study found that MPs can affect Cd accumulation in rice and alter the diversity and structure of AMF in soil.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Shen Cheng, Ying-Ning Zou, Kamil Kuca, Abeer Hashem, Elsayed Fathi Abd Allah, Qiang-Sheng Wu
Summary: Drought stress is a significant abiotic stress that limits plant growth, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can enhance plant adaptability and tolerance to drought stress, representing an eco-friendly strategy in sustainable agricultural systems. These fungi establish symbiotic relationships with host plants, participate in water absorption, nutrient uptake, and transfer, and modulate plant physiology to mitigate drought-induced injury and enhance drought tolerance. Identifying host genes responsible for enhanced drought tolerance is crucial for effective use of AM fungi.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Afrah E. Mohammed, Modhi O. Alotaibi, Mudawi Elobeid
Summary: The elevated level of CO2 and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been found to enhance plant growth and development as well as quality. This study investigated the influence of elevated CO2 and AMF on sucrose and phenylpropanoid metabolism in Ammi majus. The results showed that elevated CO2 and AMF individually or combined improved plant biomass and photosynthesis, as well as nutrient concentrations. Additionally, the levels of sucrose, glucose, fructose, and certain key enzymes involved in their metabolism, as well as phenylpropanoids metabolites, were enhanced by the treatments. The synergistic effect of elevated CO2 and AMF was observed for most parameters. These findings suggest that the combined application of elevated CO2 and AMF can affect the global metabolism of A. majus and promote the accumulation of phyto-molecules, such as coumarin, which may improve its medicinal and pharmacological applications.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
M. J. Salomon, R. Demarmels, S. J. Watts-Williams, M. J. McLaughlin, A. Kafle, C. Ketelsen, A. Soupir, H. Buecking, T. R. Cavagnaro, M. G. A. van der Heijden
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of 28 commercial AMF inoculants in promoting plant growth, with most of them failing to significantly enhance mycorrhizal colonization under greenhouse conditions. Effects on plant growth under field conditions were found to be dependent on changes within the mycorrhizal community.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Weiwei Yang, Peng Cheng, Catharine A. Adams, Shuwu Zhang, Yuhuan Sun, Hongwei Yu, Fayuan Wang
Summary: The study found that different types of microplastics have varying effects on maize growth, with high doses of PLA potentially causing strong phytotoxicity and reducing biomass. ZnO nanoparticles had minimal effects on plant growth, but led to zinc accumulation in plants and an increase in soil pH. Both microplastics and ZnO nanoparticles influenced the composition and diversity of AM fungal communities.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
A. Barreiro, A. Fox, M. Jongen, J. Melo, M. Musyoki, A. Vieira, J. Zimmermann, G. Carlsson, C. Cruz, A. Luscher, F. Rasche, L. Silva, F. Widmer, L. M. Dimitrova Martensson
Summary: This study, which investigates grassland soil microbial communities along a pan-European agro-ecological gradient, shows that environmental properties have the most significant impact on soil bacterial community structure, while soil fungal groups are more responsive to grassland management intensity.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tamara Gomez-Gallego, Ascension Valderas, Diederik van Tuinen, Nuria Ferrol
Summary: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can improve plant fitness in metal contaminated soils by regulating gene expression and improving mineral nutrient uptake.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Victor Manuel Lopez-Lorca, Maria Jesus Molina-Luzon, Nuria Ferrol
Summary: Transporters of the NRAMP family play a key role in metal homeostasis, and the NRAMP family members of Rhizophagus irregularis are involved in the transport and sensing of Mn and Fe. They are sensitive to external metal concentrations and can affect hyphal development under Mn and Fe-deficient conditions.
Article
Agronomy
Ana Paula Rosa, Lucia Barao, Lelia Chambel, Cristina Cruz, Margarida Maria Santana
Summary: This study evaluated the response of tomato plants to water scarcity by analyzing changes in leaf reflectance and identifying spectral reflectance indices (SRIs) for the early detection of drought stress. The researchers found 12 SRIs that showed significant differences between treatments, with 6 of them already significantly different within 7 or 9 days after the experiment started. These findings suggest that these SRIs could be used as promising proxies for the early detection of invisible responses to drought onset.
Article
Microbiology
Ines Ferreira, Teresa Dias, Cristina Cruz
Summary: This study investigated whether the volatile organic compound 1-octen-3-ol is involved in the mechanisms of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi that modulate below and aboveground communities. Through three in vitro assays, it was found that 1-octen-3-ol had dose-dependent effects on mycelium growth of three ECM species, inhibited seed germination, and influenced host plant traits. These findings suggest that 1-octen-3-ol may mediate changes in below and aboveground communities by regulating the release of ECM fungal volatiles.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Paula Rosa, Teresa Dias, Abdul M. Mouazen, Cristina Cruz, Margarida Maria Santana
Summary: Considering the increasing frequency and duration of drought events caused by climate change, enhancing plant drought tolerance is a priority. The search for plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that can improve plant drought tolerance has been ongoing for a long time, but the results have been inconsistent. In this study, we summarize the mechanisms of PGPR that enhance plant drought tolerance, identify the issues in current PGPR isolation and selection methods, and discuss the key points for defining new strategies to obtain optimal PGPR for improving plant drought tolerance. Drought and host genotype affect rhizo-communities, and host-mediated selection strategies can be used to obtain a drought-adapted rhizomicrobiome that can serve as a source for PGPR isolation. Alternatively, an integrated omics-level analysis can enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of rhizomicrobiome construction, allowing for the design of a targeted approach focused on key plant growth-promoting traits. New strategies for building PGPR consortia to enhance plant drought tolerance are also suggested.
JOURNAL OF PLANT INTERACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ana Cruz-Silva, Goncalo Laureano, Marcelo Pereira, Ricardo Dias, Jose Moreira da Silva, Nuno Oliveira, Catarina Gouveia, Cristina Cruz, Margarida Gama-Carvalho, Fiammetta Alagna, Bernardo Duarte, Andreia Figueiredo
Summary: Soil microorganisms are crucial in grapevine cultivation, affecting plant growth and wine quality. This study analyzed the soil microbiome of four different terroirs using long-read sequencing and established microbiome signatures for each region, highlighting the importance of soil microorganisms in defining terroir.
Article
Plant Sciences
Eduardo Moreno Jimenez, Nuria Ferrol, Nicolas Corradi, Jesus M. Penalosa, Matthias C. Rillig
Summary: Studying the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on crop nutrition and their interactions with other soil microbes is crucial for optimizing agroecosystems and crops' uptake of micronutrients while reducing contamination from metal(loid)s.
Article
Agronomy
Hayet Beltayef, Mouna Mechri, Wafa Saidi, Taqi Raza, Rim Hajri, Afef Othmani, Khedija Bouajila, Cristina Cruz, Abeer Hashem, Elsayed Fathi Abd Allah, Mongi Melki
Summary: The overuse of chemical pesticides and fertilizers has negative effects on crop quality and the environment. A study showed that co-inoculation of Rhizobium and symbiotic fungi can improve growth, yield, and nutrient content of snap bean plants. This symbiotic interaction enhances mineral nutrition and overall plant growth.
Article
Microbiology
Sylia Ait Bessai, Joana Cruz, Pablo Carril, Juliana Melo, Margarida M. Santana, Abdul M. Mouazen, Cristina Cruz, Ajar Nath Yadav, Teresa Dias, El-hafid Nabti
Summary: This study investigates the existence of halotolerant bacteria with plant growth-promoting capabilities in wheat, a salt-sensitive crop, and examines their impact on wheat growth under different salinity levels.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ines Ferreira, Teresa Dias, Abdul M. Mouazen, Cristina Cruz
Summary: Terfezia arenaria, a desert truffle with nutritional and aromatic properties, has similar nutritional and chemical compositions to commercial mushroom and truffle species, but a different aromatic profile. It can be an ideal source for plant-based meat products.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Correa, Nuria Ferrol, Cristina Cruz
Summary: Variations in arbuscular mycorrhizae effects on plant growth are commonly assumed to result from cost : benefit balances, with C as the cost and P as the benefit. The trade-balance model (TBM) hypothesizes that mycorrhizal benefit depends on C : N : P stoichiometry. However, an experimental test of the TBM was not confirmed. The results showed that C distribution to AM fungi played no role in MGR, and N was essential for all AM effects.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Ines Ferreira, Ana Correa, Cristina Cruz
Summary: This article reviews the cultivation practices of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) and forest management studies, focusing on the case of Terfezia cultivation. The sustainable production of these ECMF species can have a significant impact on the economy, culture, and environment in the Mediterranean region, while also contributing to the objectives of the European Green Deal.
PLANTS PEOPLE PLANET
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanru Feng, Muhammad Shahedul Alam, Feng Yan, Michael Frei
Summary: Tropospheric ozone has significant effects on the remobilization and allocation efficiency of aboveground biomass and nutrients in cereal crops. Long-term ozone exposure increases straw C:N ratio and affects grain C:N ratio. Grain N concentrations increase significantly under ozone stress, but N yield declines due to grain yield losses. Various indicators of N use efficiency are reduced, indicating reduced N absorption from soil and allocation from vegetative to reproductive organs. Straw C:N ratio is not suitable for predicting wheat productivity. Nitrogen harvest index (NHI) is not affected by ozone stress, but the relationship between harvest index (HI) and NHI is changed by elevated ozone concentration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cong Guan, Wei Li, Guoliang Wang, Ruimei Yang, Jinglei Zhang, Jinhong Zhang, Bo Wu, Run Gao, Chunlin Jia
Summary: This study characterized the expression profiles of mRNAs and ncRNAs in switchgrass under drought stress. The up-regulated mRNAs were enriched in starch and sucrose metabolism pathway, while the differentially expressed lncRNAs potentially regulated protein-coding genes. The study also constructed regulatory networks and validated the functionality of the target gene PvSS4 in enhancing drought tolerance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan Nicolas-Espinosa, Lucia Yepes-Molina, Fuensanta Martinez-Bernal, Miriam Fernandez-Pozurama, Micaela Carvajal
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the physiological response of broccoli leaves to abiotic stresses such as salinity and boron toxicity/deficiency. The results showed that the combined stress of salinity and boron deficiency resulted in a significant reduction in plant biomass, and the adaptation mechanisms were associated with water and boron concentration in the leaves. The expression patterns of PIP aquaporins varied among the different stress treatments, and their presence in the plasma membrane and interaction with the lipid environment played potential regulatory roles in facilitating salinity-boron stress adaptation mechanisms.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wen-Feng Huang, Juan Li, Jian-An Huang, Zhong-Hua Liu, Li-Gui Xiong
Summary: This review examines the seasonal trends of phyllosphere microorganisms in woody and herbaceous plants and explores the factors influencing these trends. While herbaceous and woody plants share some similarities and differences in their phyllosphere microbiomes, further experimental validation is needed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Changguang Liao, Hui Shen, Zihan Gao, Yunshu Wang, Zhiguo Zhu, Qiaoli Xie, Ting Wu, Guoping Chen, Zongli Hu
Summary: The novel CRF, SlCRF6, plays a crucial role in regulating tomato plant morphology, leaf development, and the accumulation of photosynthetic products.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alok Madhu, Alok Sharma, Amandeep Kaur, Kashmir Singh, Santosh Kumar Upadhyay
Summary: In this study, 15 TaMDHAR genes were identified in bread wheat and their crucial roles in antioxidants, growth and development, and stress responses were revealed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kai Zheng, Yongsheng Cai, Yanying Qu, Lu Teng, Chaoyue Wang, Jie Gao, Quanjia Chen
Summary: In this study, the whole genome identification and bioinformatics analysis of the HCT gene family were performed in G. barbadense. The results showed that the GbHCT114 gene regulates plant trichome development, which is closely related to cotton fiber quality. Gene silencing and overexpression experiments confirmed the important role of GbHCT114 gene in cotton fiber morphology, lignin content, and secondary xylem duct cell wall development. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes associated with lignin synthesis and fiber development.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tanashvi Seth, Sejal Asija, Shahid Umar, Ravi Gupta
Summary: Plants activate a sophisticated signaling cascade in response to pests and pathogens, with lipids playing a crucial role in mediating these defense responses. Different types of lipids are involved in cell signaling during plant-pathogen interaction and each lipid has specific relevance and contributes to specific signaling cascades. Lipid biosynthetic enzymes, including phospholipases, are involved in the production of defense signaling molecules. Lipids participate in stress signaling by mediating signal transduction, acting as precursors for bioactive molecules, regulating ROS formation, and interacting with phytohormones.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yangyang Chen, Xiao Wu, Xiaohua Wang, Qionghou Li, Hao Yin, Shaoling Zhang
Summary: 'Nanguo' pears emit a rich aroma when fully ripe, and the important volatile components are the six-carbon compounds derived from the lipoxygenase pathway. This study identified a highly expressed bZIP transcription factor that is induced during the mature stage of 'Nanguo' pears, and demonstrated its regulatory role in fatty acid-derived volatile biosynthesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhao Geng, Haikuan Dou, Jianguang Liu, Guiyuan Zhao, Linlin Liu, Ning Zhao, Hanshuang Zhang, Yongqiang Wang, Zetong An
Summary: The overexpression of GhFB15 gene decreases the salt tolerance of Arabidopsis plants, while silencing the gene improves the salt tolerance of cotton plants. Furthermore, GhFB15 regulates the accumulation of flavonoids and the levels of ROS.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Linjun Cai, Ancheng Ma, Jiao Lei, Chongsheng He
Summary: METTL4 is identified as a plant DNA 6mA methyltransferase in Arabidopsis thaliana and plays a crucial role in regulating heat stress response.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zailong Tian, Kun Li, Yaru Sun, Baojun Chen, Zhaoe Pan, Zhenzhen Wang, Baoyin Pang, Shoupu He, Yuchen Miao, Xiongming Du
Summary: Plants have evolved a mechanism called 'stress memory' to survive in various environmental stresses. This study reveals the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying drought stress memory formation in cotton, highlighting the role of histone modification H3K4me3 in regulating transcriptional memory. It also investigates the intergenerational inheritance of drought stress memory in cotton, providing theoretical guidance for cotton breeding.