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Zádrapová D, Chakraborty A, Žáček P, Korecký J, Bhar A, Roy A. Exploring the Rhizospheric Microbial Communities under Long-Term Precipitation Regime in Norway Spruce Seed Orchard. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9658. [PMID: 39273604 PMCID: PMC11395193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The rhizosphere is the hotspot for microbial enzyme activities and contributes to carbon cycling. Precipitation is an important component of global climate change that can profoundly alter belowground microbial communities. However, the impact of precipitation on conifer rhizospheric microbial populations has not been investigated in detail. In the present study, using high-throughput amplicon sequencing, we investigated the impact of precipitation on the rhizospheric soil microbial communities in two Norway Spruce clonal seed orchards, Lipová Lhota (L-site) and Prenet (P-site). P-site has received nearly double the precipitation than L-site for the last three decades. P-site documented higher soil water content with a significantly higher abundance of Aluminium (Al), Iron (Fe), Phosphorous (P), and Sulphur (S) than L-site. Rhizospheric soil metabolite profiling revealed an increased abundance of acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and alcohols in P-site. There was variance in the relative abundance of distinct microbiomes between the sites. A higher abundance of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, Ascomycota, and Mortiellomycota was observed in P-site receiving high precipitation, while Bacteroidota, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadota, and Basidiomycota were prevalent in L-site. The higher clustering coefficient of the microbial network in P-site suggested that the microbial community structure is highly interconnected and tends to cluster closely. The current study unveils the impact of precipitation variations on the spruce rhizospheric microbial association and opens new avenues for understanding the impact of global change on conifer rizospheric microbial associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Zádrapová
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Suchdol, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Amrita Chakraborty
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Suchdol, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Žáček
- Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, BIOCEV, Průmyslová 595, Vestec, 252 42 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Korecký
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Suchdol, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anirban Bhar
- Molecular Plant and Microbiology Laboratory (MPML), Post Graduate Department of Botany, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Kolkata 700118, India
| | - Amit Roy
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Suchdol, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
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Ahmad I, Jimenez-Gasco MDM, Barbercheck ME. Water Stress and Black Cutworm Feeding Modulate Plant Response in Maize Colonized by Metarhizium robertsii. Pathogens 2024; 13:544. [PMID: 39057771 PMCID: PMC11280422 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13070544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Plants face many environmental challenges and have evolved different strategies to defend against stress. One strategy is the establishment of mutualistic associations with endophytic microorganisms which contribute to plant defense and promote plant growth. The fungal entomopathogen Metarhizium robertsii is also an endophyte that can provide plant-protective and growth-promoting benefits to the host plant. We conducted a greenhouse experiment in which we imposed stress from deficit and excess soil moisture and feeding by larval black cutworm (BCW), Agrotis ipsilon, to maize plants that were either inoculated or not inoculated with M. robertsii (Mr). We evaluated plant growth and defense indicators to determine the effects of the interaction between Mr, maize, BCW feeding, and water stress. There was a significant effect of water treatment, but no effect of Mr treatment, on plant chlorophyl, height, and dry biomass. There was no effect of water or Mr treatment on damage caused by BCW feeding. There was a significant effect of water treatment, but not Mr treatment, on the expression of bx7 and rip2 genes and on foliar content of abscisic acid (ABA), 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), and gibberellin 19 (GA19), whereas GA53 was modulated by Mr treatment. Foliar content of GA19 and cis-Zeatin (cZ) was modulated by BCW feeding. In a redundancy analysis, plant phenology, plant nutrient content, and foliar DIMBOA and ABA content were most closely associated with water treatments. This study contributes toward understanding the sophisticated stress response signaling and endophytic mutualisms in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imtiaz Ahmad
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Maria del Mar Jimenez-Gasco
- Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Mary E. Barbercheck
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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3
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Dai J, Tang X, Wu C, Liu S, Mi W, Fang W. Utilization of plant-derived sugars and lipids are coupled during colonization of rhizoplane and rhizosphere by the fungus Metarhizium robertsii. Fungal Genet Biol 2024; 172:103886. [PMID: 38485049 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2024.103886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Plant-derived sugars and lipids are key nutritional sources for plant associated fungi. However, the relationship between utilization of host-derived sugars and lipids during development of the symbiotic association remains unknown. Here we show that the fungus Metarhizium robertsii also needs plant-derived lipids to develop symbiotic relationship with plants. The fatty acid binding proteins FABP1 and FABP2 are important for utilization of plant-derived lipids as the deletion of Fabp1 and Fabp2 significantly reduced the ability of M. robertsii to colonize rhizoplane and rhizosphere of maize and Arabidopsis thaliana. Deleting Fabp1 and Fabp2 increased sugar utilization by upregulating six sugar transporters, and this explains why deleting the monosaccharide transporter gene Mst1, which plays an important role in utilization of plant-derived sugars, had no impact on the ability of the double-gene deletion mutant ΔFabp1::ΔFabp2 to colonize plant roots. FABP1 and FABP2 were also found in other plant-associated Metarhizium species, and they were highly expressed in the medium using the tomato root exudate as the sole carbon and nitrogen source, suggesting that they could be also important for these species to develop symbiotic relationship with plants. In conclusion, we discovered that utilization of plant-derived sugars and lipids are coupled during colonization of rhizoplane and rhizosphere by M. robertsii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Dai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xingyuan Tang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Congcong Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuxing Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wubin Mi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiguo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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4
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Senthil Kumar CM, D'Silva S, Praveena R, Kaprakkaden A, Athira Krishnan LR, Balaji Rajkumar M, Srinivasan V, Dinesh R. Zinc solubilization and organic acid production by the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium pingshaense sheds light on its key ecological role in the environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 923:171348. [PMID: 38438046 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
We report for the first-time higher zinc (Zn) solubilization efficiency and plant growth promotion by an entomopathogenic fungus (EPF), Metarhizium pingshaense IISR-EPF-14, which was earlier isolated from Conogethes punctiferalis, a pest of global importance. The Zn solubilizing efficiency of the fungus varied depending on the type of insoluble source of Zn used, which was observed to be 1.6 times higher in Zn3(PO4)2-amended media compared to ZnO media. In liquid media, there was a 6.2-fold increase in available Zn in ZnO-amended media, whereas a 20.2-fold increase in available Zn was recorded in Zn3(PO4)2 medium. We ascribe the production of various organic acids such as gluconic, keto-gluconic, oxalic, tartaric, malonic, succinic and formic acids, which in general, interact with insoluble Zn sources and make them soluble by forming metal cations and displacing anions as the major mechanism for Zn solubilization by M. pingshaense. However, the type and amount of organic acid produced in the media varied depending on the source of Zn used and the incubation period. Application of the fungus alone and in combination with insoluble Zn sources enhanced various plant growth parameters in rice and cardamom plants. Moreover, the uptake of Zn in rice plants was enhanced up to ~2.5-fold by fungal application. The fungus also exhibited various other plant growth-promoting traits, such as production of Indole-3-acetic acid, ammonia, siderophores, solubilization of mineral phosphate, and production of hydrolytic enzymes such as α-amylase, protease, and pectinase. Hence, apart from its use as a biological control agent, M. pingshaense has the potential to be used as a bio-fortifier to enhance the solubilization and uptake of Zn from nutrient poor soils under field conditions. Our findings shed light on the broader ecological role played by this fungus and widen its scope for utilization in sustainable agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Senthil Kumar
- Division of Crop Protection, ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O., Kozhikode 673 012, Kerala, India.
| | - Sharon D'Silva
- Division of Crop Protection, ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O., Kozhikode 673 012, Kerala, India
| | - R Praveena
- Division of Crop Protection, ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O., Kozhikode 673 012, Kerala, India
| | - Anees Kaprakkaden
- Division of Crop Production and Post-Harvest Technology, ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O., Kozhikode 673 012, Kerala, India
| | - L R Athira Krishnan
- Division of Crop Protection, ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O., Kozhikode 673 012, Kerala, India
| | - M Balaji Rajkumar
- ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Regional Station, Appangala, Madikeri - 571 201, Karnataka, India
| | - V Srinivasan
- Division of Crop Production and Post-Harvest Technology, ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O., Kozhikode 673 012, Kerala, India
| | - R Dinesh
- Division of Crop Production and Post-Harvest Technology, ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O., Kozhikode 673 012, Kerala, India
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5
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Mesquita E, Hu S, Lima TB, Golo PS, Bidochka MJ. Utilization of Metarhizium as an insect biocontrol agent and a plant bioinoculant with special reference to Brazil. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2023; 4:1276287. [PMID: 38186633 PMCID: PMC10768067 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1276287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Brazil has a long history of using biological control and has the largest program in sugarcane agriculture to which a biocontrol program has been applied. This achievement is at least partly due to the utilization of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium. This well-known fungal genus exhibits pathogenicity against a broad range of arthropod hosts and has been used globally as a biocontrol agent. This fungus is also a root symbiont, and in this capacity, it is a plant growth promoter. However, this feature (i.e., as a plant symbiont) has yet to be fully explored and implemented in Brazil, although the number of reports demonstrating Metarhizium's utility as a plant bioinoculant is increasing. The Brazilian bioproduct industry targets agricultural pests, and is limited to two Metarhizium species represented by four fungal isolates as active ingredients. Entomopathogenic fungi have also been successful in controlling arthropods of public health concern, as shown in their control of mosquitoes, which are vectors of diseases. The isolation of new indigenous Metarhizium isolates from a variety of substrates such as soil, insects, and plants shows the wide genetic diversity within this fungal genus. In this review, we emphasize the significance of Metarhizium spp. for the biological control of insects in Brazil. We also suggest that the experience and success of biological control with fungi in Brazil is an important resource for developing integrated pest management and sustainable strategies for pest control worldwide. Moreover, the future implementation prospects of species of Metarhizium being used as bioinoculants and possible new advances in the utility of this fungus are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Mesquita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Shasha Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Tais B. Lima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Silva Golo
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Michael J. Bidochka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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Peterson H, Ahmad I, Barbercheck ME. Maize response to endophytic Metarhizium robertsii is altered by water stress. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289143. [PMID: 38011108 PMCID: PMC10681223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To defend against damage from environmental stress, plants have evolved strategies to respond to stress efficiently. One such strategy includes forming mutualist relationships with endophytes which confer stress-alleviating plant defensive and growth promoting effects. Metarhizium robertsii is an entomopathogen and plant-protective and growth-promoting endophyte. To determine the context dependency of the relationship between M. robertsii and maize, we conducted a greenhouse experiment that imposed stress as deficit and excess soil moisture on maize plants which were inoculated or not inoculated with M. robertsii and measured plant growth and defense indicators. Maize height and endophytic root colonization by M. robertsii were positively correlated in the deficit water treatment, but not in the adequate or excess water treatments. The relative expression of ZmLOX1 in the jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis pathway was significantly greater in M. robertsii-inoculated than in non-inoculated plants, but water treatment had no effect. There was significant interaction between M. robertsii and water treatments on foliar concentrations of JA and jasmonoyl isoleucine (JA-ILE), suggesting that water stress impacts M. robertsii as a modulator of plant defense. Water stress, but not inoculation with M. robertsii, had a significant effect on the expression of MYB (p = 0.021) and foliar concentrations of abscisic acid (p<0.001), two signaling molecules associated with abiotic stress response. This study contributes toward understanding the highly sophisticated stress response signaling network and context dependency of endophytic mutualisms in crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Peterson
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Imtiaz Ahmad
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Mary E. Barbercheck
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
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7
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Quesada-Moraga E, Garrido-Jurado I, González-Mas N, Yousef-Yousef M. Ecosystem services of entomopathogenic ascomycetes. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 201:108015. [PMID: 37924859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.108015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic ascomycetes (EA) are an important part of the microbiota in most terrestrial ecosystems, where they can be found regulating natural populations of arthropod pests in both epigeous and hypogeous habitats while also establishing unique relationships with plants. These fungi offer direct benefits to agriculture and human welfare. In the present work, we conducted a systematic review to comprehensively assess the range of ecosystem services provided by EA, including direct and indirect pest biocontrol, plant growth promotion, plant defense against other biotic and abiotic stresses, nutrient cycling, and the production of new bioactive compounds with agricultural, pharmaceutical and medical importance. Moreover, EA are compatible with the ecosystem services provided by other microbial and macrobial biocontrol agents. This systematic review identified the need for future research to focus on evaluating the economic value of the ecological services provided by EA with a special emphasis on hypocrealean fungi. This evaluation is essential not only for the conservation but also for better regulation and exploitation of the benefits of EA in promoting agricultural sustainability, reducing the use of chemicals that enter the environment, and minimizing the negative impacts of crop protection on the carbon footprint and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Quesada-Moraga
- Department of Agronomy, Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit DAUCO, ETSIAM, University of Cordoba, Edificio C4 Celestino Mutis, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
| | - Inmaculada Garrido-Jurado
- Department of Agronomy, Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit DAUCO, ETSIAM, University of Cordoba, Edificio C4 Celestino Mutis, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Natalia González-Mas
- Department of Agronomy, Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit DAUCO, ETSIAM, University of Cordoba, Edificio C4 Celestino Mutis, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Meelad Yousef-Yousef
- Department of Agronomy, Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit DAUCO, ETSIAM, University of Cordoba, Edificio C4 Celestino Mutis, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
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Bamisile BS, Afolabi OG, Siddiqui JA, Xu Y. Endophytic insect pathogenic fungi-host plant-herbivore mutualism: elucidating the mechanisms involved in the tripartite interactions. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:326. [PMID: 37776438 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Various techniques used by crop plants to evade insect pests and pathogen attacks have been documented. Among these, plant defense strategies induced by endophytic insect pathogenic fungi are arguably one of the most discussed. Endophytic fungi frequently colonize plants and inhabit their internal tissues for a portion of their lifespan without producing visible symptoms of the disease. This phenomenon is widespread and diverse in both natural and agricultural ecosystems, and is present in almost all plant organs. Many fungi can obtain nutrients by infecting and killing insects, and this ability has been developed numerous times in different fungal lineages. These species mainly consist of those in the order Hypocreales (Ascomycota), where the generalist insect pathogens, Beauveria sp. (Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium sp. (Clavicipitaceae) are two of the most studied endophytic entomopathogenic fungal genera. However, most fungi that kill insects do not survive in the tissues of living plants. The data published thus far show a high degree of variability and do not provide consistent explanations for the underlying mechanisms that may be responsible for these effects. This implies that available knowledge regarding the colonization of plant tissues by endophytic insect pathogenic fungi, the effects of colonization on plant metabolism, and how this contributes to a decrease in herbivore and pathogens damage is limited. To adequately utilize fungal-based products as biological control agents, these products must be effective and the reduction of pests and infection must be consistent and similar to that of chemical insecticides after application. This article discusses this possibility and highlights the benefits and the specific techniques utilized by endophytically challenged plants in invading insect pests and disease pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bamisope Steve Bamisile
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Henry Fok School of Biology and Agriculture, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan, 512005, China
| | | | - Junaid Ali Siddiqui
- College of Agriculture, College of Tobacco Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yijuan Xu
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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Piña-Torres IH, Dávila-Berumen F, González-Hernández GA, Torres-Guzmán JC, Padilla-Guerrero IE. Hyphal Growth and Conidia Germination Are Induced by Phytohormones in the Root Colonizing and Plant Growth Promoting Fungus Metarhizium guizhouense. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:945. [PMID: 37755053 PMCID: PMC10532501 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Beneficial associations are very important for plants and soil-dwelling microorganisms in different ecological niches, where communication by chemical signals is relevant. Among the chemical signals, the release of phytohormones by plants is important to establish beneficial associations with fungi, and a recently described association is that of the entomopathogenic ascomycete fungus Metarhizium with plants. Here, we evaluated the effect of four different phytohormones, synthetic strigolactone (GR24), sorgolactone (SorL), 3-indolacetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3), on the fungus Metarhizium guizhouense strain HA11-2, where the germination rate and hyphal elongation were determined at three different times. All phytohormones had a positive effect on germination, with GA3 showing the greatest effect, and for hyphal length, on average, the group treated with synthetic strigolactone GR24 showed greater average hyphal length at 10 h of induction. This work expands the knowledge of the effect of phytohormones on the fungus M. guizhouense, as possible chemical signals for the rapid establishment of the fungus-plant association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Israel Enrique Padilla-Guerrero
- Departamento de Biología, División de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad de Guanajuato, Noria Alta s/n, Guanajuato 36050, Mexico; (I.H.P.-T.); (F.D.-B.); (G.A.G.-H.); (J.C.T.-G.)
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10
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Mantzoukas S, Papantzikos V, Katsogiannou S, Papanikou A, Koukidis C, Servis D, Eliopoulos P, Patakioutas G. Biostimulant and Bioinsecticidal Effect of Coating Cotton Seeds with Endophytic Beauveria bassiana in Semi-Field Conditions. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2050. [PMID: 37630610 PMCID: PMC10457994 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing commercial demands from the textile and food industries are putting strong pressure on the cultivation of cotton and its derivatives to produce high yields. At the same time, cotton has high nutrient and irrigation requirements and is highly susceptible to insect pests. Coating cotton seeds with beneficial fungi could address these problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth of cotton using (A) conventional seeds and (B) seeds coated with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of the Department of Agriculture of the University of Ioannina, in a completely randomized design. The growth characteristics of cotton plants were recorded weekly while the fresh weight and dry matter of the leaves, shoots and roots of the developed cotton plants were calculated at the end of the experiment. Weekly determination of total chlorophyll content (TCHL) was used as an indicator of plant robustness during the 80-day experiment. Many cotton growth parameters of treated plants, like number of leaves, shoots and apical buds, plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dried biomass and TCHL, were significantly higher than those of the untreated ones. Apart from plant growth, naturally occurring by Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) infestation which also monitored for six weeks. A significantly lower aphid population was recorded for inoculated plants after the fifth week compared to the control. The overall evaluation revealed that B. bassiana coating treatments appear to have a significant biostimulatory and bioinsecticidal effect. Our results could represent responsive applications to the demands of intensive cotton growing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spiridon Mantzoukas
- Department of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta Campus, 45100 Ioannina, Greece; (V.P.); (S.K.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Vasileios Papantzikos
- Department of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta Campus, 45100 Ioannina, Greece; (V.P.); (S.K.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Spiridoula Katsogiannou
- Department of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta Campus, 45100 Ioannina, Greece; (V.P.); (S.K.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Areti Papanikou
- Department of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta Campus, 45100 Ioannina, Greece; (V.P.); (S.K.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | | | | | - Panagiotis Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Plant Health Management, Department of Agrotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Patakioutas
- Department of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta Campus, 45100 Ioannina, Greece; (V.P.); (S.K.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
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11
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Mimma AA, Akter T, Haque MA, Bhuiyan MAB, Chowdhury MZH, Sultana S, Islam SMN. Effect of Metarhizium anisopliae (MetA1) on growth enhancement and antioxidative defense mechanism against Rhizoctonia root rot in okra. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18978. [PMID: 37636386 PMCID: PMC10450861 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhizoctonia solani is an important necrotrophic pathogenic fungus that causes okra root disease and results in severe yield reduction. Many biocontrol agents are being studied with the intent of improving plant growth and defense systems and reducing crop loss by preventing fungal infections. Recently, a member of the Hypocrealean family, Metarhizium anisopliae, has been reported for insect pathogenicity, endophytism, plant growth promotion, and antifungal potentialities. This research investigated the role of M. anisopliae (MetA1) in growth promotion and root disease suppression in okra. The antagonism against R. solani and the plant growth promotion traits of MetA1 were tested in vitro. The effects of endophytic MetA1 on promoting plant growth and disease suppression were assessed in planta. Dual culture and cell-free culture filtrate assays showed antagonistic activity against R. solani by MetA1. Some plant growth promotion traits, such as phosphate solubilization and catalase activity were also exhibited by MetA1. Seed primed with MetA1 increased the shoot, root, leaves, chlorophyll content, and biomass content compared to control okra plants. The plants challenged with R. solani showed the highest hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) contents in the leaves of okra. Whereas MetA1 applied plants showed a reduction of H2O2 and MDA by 5.21 and 14.96%, respectively, under pathogen-inoculated conditions by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), by 30.11, 10.19, 5.62, and 5.06%, respectively. Moreover, MetA1 increased soluble sugars, carbohydrates, proline, and secondary metabolites, viz., phenol and flavonoid contents in okra resulting in a better osmotic adjustment of diseases infecting plants. MetA1 reduced disease incidence by 58.33% at 15 DAI compared to the R. solani inoculated plant. The results revealed that MetA1 improved plant growth, elevated the plant defense system, and suppressed root diseases caused by R. solani. Thus, MetA1 was found to be an effective candidate for the biological control program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsana Akter Mimma
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Tanjina Akter
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Ashraful Haque
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abdullahil Baki Bhuiyan
- Department of Plant Pathology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Zahid Hasan Chowdhury
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Sharmin Sultana
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
| | - Shah Mohammad Naimul Islam
- Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur 1706, Bangladesh
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Liao X, Luo Q, Wu C, Zhou D, Li J, Meng Z. A 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase MrACCD from Metarhizium robertsii is associated with plant growth promotion for Metarhizium spp. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 198:107928. [PMID: 37116744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Besides killing insects, Metarhizium spp. have been showing another realistic ecology role as plant associates. Partial genra and groups of these entomopathogenic fungi act as plant growth promoters during root colonization. Here, we report that Metarhizium robertsii produces a 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase (ACCD encoded by MracdS, MrACCD), which is involved in promoting wheat early vegetative growth, while Metarhizium acridum lacks the genuine ACCD though a MracdS homologue exists in the species. MracdS expression was up-regulated by a max 10.7-fold with 3 mM ACC and high ACCD enzymatic activities were induced by either ACC (7.5-fold) or wheat root (3.2-fold). In contrast, no ACCD activity was detected in M. acridum in the presence of both inducers. In pot assay, wheat seeds were treated with wild-type M. robertsii (Mr23), wild-type M. acridum (Mac324), MracdS disruption mutant (ΔMracdS) and M. acridum transformant harboring heterologous MracdS (Mac324-MracdS). Relative to the control seeds treated with heat-killed conidia, Mr23, ΔMracdS and Mac324-MracdS increased root length (by 66.2, 31.8 and 40.2%), and plant biomass (by 56.6, 42.1 and 40.9%). Nevertheless, ΔMracdS deficient in ACCD activity heavily impaired its capability of wheat growth promotion by decrease of 20.7% in root length relative to Mr23. In addition, Mr23 and Mac324-MracdS also increased shoot growth (by 42.3, and 42.7%) while ΔMracdS failed. Mac324 showed no effect on plant growth during the test. These data suggest a role for ACCD in the plant growth promotion effect by M. robertsii, which is irrelevant to Metarhizium colonization of roots since rhizosphere competency of both Mr23 and Mac324 are unaffected by the change of ACCD activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinggang Liao
- Guizhou Tea Seed Resource Utilization Engineering Research Center, School of Biological Sciences, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, China; Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Biological Resources in Colleges and Universities of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Qian Luo
- Guizhou Tea Seed Resource Utilization Engineering Research Center, School of Biological Sciences, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Guizhou Tea Seed Resource Utilization Engineering Research Center, School of Biological Sciences, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Biological Resources in Colleges and Universities of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Jianfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Development and Utilization of Biological Resources in Colleges and Universities of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, China
| | - Zebin Meng
- Guizhou Tea Seed Resource Utilization Engineering Research Center, School of Biological Sciences, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, China.
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PeVL1 Novel Elicitor Protein, from Verticillium lecanii 2, Enhances Systemic Resistance against Rice Leaf Roller ( Marasmia ruralis Wlk.) in Rice ( Oryza sativa L.). Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020317. [PMID: 36838282 PMCID: PMC9966112 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The hazardous pest known as rice leaf roller (Marasmia ruralis Wlk.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), which undermines rice (Oryza sativa L.) output globally, folds the leaves of the rice plant. Protein elicitors are thought to be biological elements that causes the rice to become resistant to herbivores. The potential for biocontrol of the emerging elicitor protein evaluated from Verticillium lecanii 2 (PeVL1) was evaluated against M. ruralis. To assess the impact of PeVL1 on immature development, survival, and lifetime, four different PeVL1 concentrations were allocated. Electrical penetration graphs (EPGs) against M. ruralis were used to evaluate adult reproductive efficiency and the interaction between the pest and the pathogen. Furthermore, the characterization of active substances in PeVL1 with multi-acting entomopathogenic effects looked into the direct interactions of PeVL1 with temperature and climatic change in rice (O. sativa) plants. PeVL1 treatments reduced the population increase of second and third generation M. ruralis compared to controls. In a test of host selection, M. ruralis colonized control plants more quickly than PeVL1-treated O. sativa plants. PeVL1 concentrations prolonged the M. ruralis larval stage. Similar to fecundity, PeVL1-treated seedlings produced fewer offspring than control seedlings. On PeVL1-treated leaves, trichomes and wax production created an unfavorable habitat for M. ruralis. PeVL1 changed the surface structure of the leaves, which inhibited colonization and decreased M. ruralis reproduction. The activation of pathways was another aspect of systemic defense activities including jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ET). Based on these results against M. ruralis, the use of PeVL1 in the agroecosystem with integrated pest management and biocontrol seems appropriate. Our research provides a novel insight into a cutting-edge biocontrol method utilizing V. lecanii 2.
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Wang Y, Zhang W, Goodwin PH, Zheng SJ, Li X, Xu S. Effect of natural weed and Siratro cover crop on soil fungal diversity in a banana cropping system in southwestern China. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1138580. [PMID: 37032861 PMCID: PMC10073746 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1138580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural weed cover and a legume cover crop were examined to determine if they could impact soil fungal diversity as an indicator of soil quality in banana production. Methods Banana in Yunnan Province, China, was grown under three treatments: conventional tillage (bare soil), natural weed cover (primarily goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaerth)), or a cover crop (Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum (DC.) Urb.)). Analysis of the soil fungal communities between 2017 and 2020 was done by Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing. Results Most significant effects were in the intercropping area for the treatments, whereas it was rarely observed in the furrow planted with banana. Based on the Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, soil fungal diversity in the intercropping area significantly decreased following planting banana in 2017 with all three treatments. However, both the Shannon and Simpson diversity indices showed that there were significant increases in fungal soil diversity in 2019 and 2020 with natural weed cover or Siratro compared to bare soil. At the end of the experiment, significant increases in fungal genera with Siratro compared to bare soil were observed with Mortierella, Acremonium, Plectophaerella, Metarhizium and Acrocalymma, and significant decreases were observed with Fusicolla, Myrothecium, Exserohilum, Micropsalliota and Nigrospora. Siratro resulted in higher stability of the soil fungal microbiome by increasing the modularity and the proportion of negative co-occurrences compared to bare soil. For fungal guilds, Siratro significantly increased saprotrophs_symbiotrophs in 2019 and 2020 and significantly decreased pathogens_saprotrophs in 2020 compared to bare soil. Discussion Using Siratro as a cover crop in the intercropping area of banana helped maintain soil fungal diversity, which would be beneficial for soil health with more symbiotrophs and less pathogens in the soil. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term impact of weed or Siratro cover crop on the fungal soil ecosystem and growth of banana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfen Wang
- Institute of Tropical and Subtropical Cash Crops, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Baoshan, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenlong Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Paul H. Goodwin
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Si-Jun Zheng
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Bioversity International, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xundong Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- *Correspondence: Li Xundong,
| | - Shengtao Xu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Green Prevention and Control of Agricultural Transboundary Pests, Agricultural Environment and Resources Institute, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Xu Shengtao,
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Nasif SO, Siddique AB, Siddique AB, Islam MM, Hassan O, Deepo DM, Hossain A. Prospects of endophytic fungi as a natural resource for the sustainability of crop production in the modern era of changing climate. Symbiosis 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-022-00879-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Ponchon M, Reineke A, Massot M, Bidochka MJ, Thiéry D, Papura D. Three Methods Assessing the Association of the Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium robertsii with Non-Grafted Grapevine Vitis vinifera. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122437. [PMID: 36557691 PMCID: PMC9787814 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterizing the association of endophytic insect pathogenic fungi (EIPF) with plants is an important step in order to understand their ecology before using them in biological control programs. Since several methods are available, it is challenging to identify the most appropriate for such investigations. Here, we used two strains of Metarhizium robertsii: EF3.5(2) native to the French vineyard environment and ARSEF-2575-GFP a laboratory strain expressing a green fluorescent protein, to compare their potential of association with non-grafted grapevine Vitis vinifera. Three methods were used to evaluate the kinetics of rhizosphere and grapevine endospheric colonization: (i) Droplet Digital (ddPCR), a sensitive molecular method of M. robertsii DNA quantification in different plant parts, (ii) culture-based method to detect the live fungal propagules from plant tissues that grew on the medium, (iii) confocal imaging to observe roots segments. Both strains showed evidence of establishment in the rhizosphere of grapevines according to the culture-based and ddPCR methods, with a significantly higher establishment of strain EF3.5(2) (40% positive plants and quantified median of exp(4.61) c/μL) compared to strain ARSEF-2575-GFP (13% positive plants and quantified median of exp(2.25) c/μL) at 96-98 days post-inoculation. A low incidence of association of both strains in the grapevine root endosphere was found with no significant differences between strains and evaluation methods (15% positive plants inoculated with strain EF3.5(2) and 5% with strain ARSEF-2575-GFP according to culture-based method). ddPCR should be used more extensively to investigate the association between plants and EIPF but always accompanied with at least one method such as culture-based method or confocal microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Ponchon
- Department of Crop Protection, Hochschule Geisenheim University, 65366 Geisenheim, Germany
- INRAE, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, ISVV, UMR SAVE, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon, France
| | - Annette Reineke
- Department of Crop Protection, Hochschule Geisenheim University, 65366 Geisenheim, Germany
| | - Marie Massot
- INRAE, Univ. Bordeaux, UMR BIOGECO, 33610 Cestas, France
| | - Michael J. Bidochka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Denis Thiéry
- INRAE, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, ISVV, UMR SAVE, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-557-122-618
| | - Daciana Papura
- INRAE, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, ISVV, UMR SAVE, 33140 Villenave d’Ornon, France
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Luo F, Tang G, Hong S, Gong T, Xin XF, Wang C. Promotion of Arabidopsis immune responses by a rhizosphere fungus via supply of pipecolic acid to plants and selective augment of phytoalexins. SCIENCE CHINA LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 66:1119-1133. [PMID: 36449213 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2238-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The ascomycete insect pathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium species have been demonstrated with the abilities to form the rhizosphere or endophytic relationships with different plants for nutrient exchanges. In this study, after the evident infeasibility of bacterial disease development in the boxed sterile soils, we established a hydroponic system for the gnotobiotic growth of Arabidopsis thaliana with the wild-type and transgenic strain of Metarhizium robertsii. The transgenic fungus could produce a high amount of pipecolic acid (PIP), a pivotal plant-immune-stimulating metabolite. Fungal inoculation experiments showed that M. robertsii could form a non-selective rhizosphere relationship with Arabidopsis. Similar to the PIP uptake by plants after exogenous application, PIP level increased in Col-0 and could be detected in the PIP-non-producing Arabidopsis mutant (ald1) after fungal inoculations, indicating that plants can absorb the PIP produced by fungi. The transgenic fungal strain had a better efficacy than the wild type to defend plants against the bacterial pathogen and aphid attacks. Contrary to ald1, fmo1 plants could not be boosted to resist bacterial infection after treatments. After fungal inoculations, the phytoalexins camalexin and aliphatic glucosinolate were selectively increased in Arabidopsis via both PIP-dependent and -independent ways. This study unveils the potential mechanism of the fungus-mediated beneficial promotion of plant immunity against biological stresses. The data also highlight the added values of M. robertsii to plants beyond the direct suppression of insect pest populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guirong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Song Hong
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tianyu Gong
- National key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiu-Fang Xin
- National key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
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Ahmad I, Jiménez-Gasco MDM, Luthe DS, Barbercheck ME. Endophytic Metarhizium robertsii suppresses the phytopathogen, Cochliobolus heterostrophus and modulates maize defenses. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272944. [PMID: 36137142 PMCID: PMC9499252 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi in the genus Metarhizium (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) are insect-pathogens and endophytes that can benefit their host plant through growth promotion and protection against stresses. Cochliobolus heterostrophus (Drechsler) Drechsler (Pleosporales: Pleosporaceae) is an economically-significant phytopathogenic fungus that causes Southern Corn Leaf Blight (SCLB) in maize. We conducted greenhouse and lab-based experiments to determine the effects of endophytic M. robertsii J.F. Bisch., Rehner & Humber on growth and defense in maize (Zea mays L.) infected with C. heterostrophus. We inoculated maize seeds with spores of M. robertsii and, at the 3 to 4-leaf stage, the youngest true leaf of M. robertsii-treated and untreated control plants with spores of C. heterostrophus. After 96 h, we measured maize height, above-ground biomass, endophytic colonization by M. robertsii, severity of SCLB, and expression of plant defense genes and phytohormone content. We recovered M. robertsii from 74% of plants grown from treated seed. The severity of SCLB in M. robertsii-treated maize plants was lower than in plants inoculated only with C. heterostrophus. M. robertsii-treated maize inoculated or not inoculated with C. heterostrophus showed greater height and above-ground biomass compared with untreated control plants. Height and above-ground biomass of maize co-inoculated with M. robertsii and C. heterostrophus were not different from M. robertsii-treated maize. M. robertsii modulated the expression of defense genes and the phytohormone content in maize inoculated with C. heterostrophus compared with plants not inoculated with C. heterostrophus and control plants. These results suggest that endophytic M. robertsii can promote maize growth and reduce development of SCLB, possibly by induced systemic resistance mediated by modulation of phytohormones and expression of defense and growth-related genes in maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imtiaz Ahmad
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MEB); (IA)
| | - María del Mar Jiménez-Gasco
- Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Dawn S. Luthe
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mary E. Barbercheck
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MEB); (IA)
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Jiang X, Dai J, Zhang X, Wu H, Tong J, Shi J, Fang W. Enhanced Cd efflux capacity and physiological stress resistance: The beneficial modulations of Metarhizium robertsii on plants under cadmium stress. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129429. [PMID: 35753299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to the high migration capacity in agricultural soil-crop systems, cadmium (Cd) is accumulated in various crops and severely inhibits plant growth. In this study, we showed that, under Cd stress, the plant-symbiotic fungus Metarhizium robertsii reduced Cd accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana shoots and roots by 21.8 % and 23.8 %, respectively. This is achieved by M. robertsii colonization-induced elevation of Cd efflux capacity via upregulation of three PCR genes, which is confirmed by the fact that the extent to which M. robertsii reduced Cd accumulation in the WT plants was greater than the inactivating mutants of the PCR genes. M. robertsii also alleviated Cd-induced leaf etiolation in A. thaliana by increasing the chlorophyll amount and modified plant physiological status to increase Cd stress tolerance via increasing production of catalase, peroxidase and glutathione and upregulating multiple HIPP proteins involved in sequestration of Cd. Notably, consistent with that in A. thaliana, the colonization of M. robertsii also reduced the Cd accumulation in Oryza sativa seedlings by upregulating the PCR gene OsPCR1, and increased chlorophyll amount and alleviated oxidative stress. Therefore, M. robertsii colonization reduced Cd accumulation in plants, and promoted plant growth and health by elevating Cd efflux capacity and modifying physiological status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Jiang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jin Dai
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hanxin Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - JianHao Tong
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiyan Shi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Weiguo Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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A Novel Protein Elicitor (PELL1) Extracted from Lecanicillium lecanii Induced Resistance against Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Gossypium hirsutum L. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:3097521. [PMID: 36051477 PMCID: PMC9427280 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3097521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein elicitors play a key role in signaling or displaying plant defense mechanism and emerging as vital tools for biocontrol of insects. This study was aimed at the characterization of the novel protein elicitor isolated from entomopathogenic fungi Lecanicillium lecanii (V3) strain and its activity against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The sequence of purified elicitor protein showed 100% similarity with hypothetical protein LEL_00878 (Cordyceps confragosa RCEF 1005) (GenBank accession no. OAA81333.1). This novel protein elicitor has 253 amino acid residues and 762 bp with a molecular mass of 29 kDa. Their combatant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli using pET-28a (+) plasmid. Bioassay was revealed to quantify the impact of numerous concentrations of protein (i.e., 58.32, 41.22, and 35.41 μg/ml) on the fecundity rate of B tabaci on cotton plants. Bioassay results exhibited a significant effect (P ≤ 0.001) of all the concentrations of protein on the fecundity rate of B. tabaci. In addition, the gene expression analysis found a significant upregulation of the major genes associated with salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) defense pathways in elicitor protein-treated plants. Our results showed that the potential application of novel protein elicitor derived from Lecanicillium lecanii will be used as future biointensive controlling approaches against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci.
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Sheng H, McNamara PJ, St Leger RJ. Metarhizium: an opportunistic middleman for multitrophic lifestyles. Curr Opin Microbiol 2022; 69:102176. [PMID: 35872503 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2022.102176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Metarhizium spp. mediate multiple interactions that are usually positive with respect to their long-term plant environment, and negative with respect to short-lived hosts. In particular, their ability to kill a wide range of insects maximizes protection to the plants and provides a resource of nitrogen that the fungus trades with the plant for carbon. Here, we highlight emerging concepts underlying Metarhizium-plant-insect interactions. Experiments on model systems have provided detailed mechanistic knowledge of how these fungi interact with plants and insects, and a greater understanding of the evolutionary forces driving these interactions. However, further integration of studies at the ecological and mechanistic level is needed to evaluate the importance of Metarhizium's multitrophic interactions to the structuring of natural communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Sheng
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Patrick J McNamara
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Raymond J St Leger
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States.
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22
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Hummadi EH, Cetin Y, Demirbek M, Kardar NM, Khan S, Coates CJ, Eastwood DC, Dudley E, Maffeis T, Loveridge J, Butt TM. Antimicrobial Volatiles of the Insect Pathogen Metarhizium brunneum. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8040326. [PMID: 35448558 PMCID: PMC9025432 DOI: 10.3390/jof8040326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent promising candidates for biopesticide fumigants to control crop pests and pathogens. Herein, VOCs produced using three strains of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum were identified via GC-MS and screened for antimicrobial activity. The VOC profiles varied with fungal strain, development state (mycelium, spores) and culture conditions. Selected VOCs were screened against a range of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere microbes, including three Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), five Gram-positive bacteria (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, B. megaterium, B. thuringiensis), two yeasts (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata) and three plant pathogenic fungi (Pythium ultimum, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium graminearum). Microbes differed in their sensitivity to the test compounds, with 1-octen-3-ol and isovaleric acid showing broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Yeasts and bacteria were inhibited by the same VOCs. Cryo-SEM showed that both yeasts and bacteria underwent some form of “autolysis”, where all components of the cell, including the cell wall, disintegrated with little evidence of their presence in the clear, inhibition zone. The oomycete (P. ultimum) and ascomycete fungi (F. graminearum, B. cinerea) were sensitive to a wider range of VOCs than the bacteria, suggesting that eukaryotic microbes are the main competitors to M. brunneum in the rhizosphere. The ability to alter the VOC profile in response to nutritional cues may assist M. brunneum to survive among the roots of a wide range of plant species. Our VOC studies provided new insights as to how M. brunneum may protect plants from pathogenic microbes and correspondingly promote healthy growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esam Hamid Hummadi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; (Y.C.); (M.D.); (N.M.K.); (S.K.); (C.J.C.); (D.C.E.); (T.M.); (J.L.)
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Diyala, Baqubah City 32001, Iraq
- Correspondence: (E.H.H.); (T.M.B.)
| | - Yarkin Cetin
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; (Y.C.); (M.D.); (N.M.K.); (S.K.); (C.J.C.); (D.C.E.); (T.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Merve Demirbek
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; (Y.C.); (M.D.); (N.M.K.); (S.K.); (C.J.C.); (D.C.E.); (T.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Nadeems M. Kardar
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; (Y.C.); (M.D.); (N.M.K.); (S.K.); (C.J.C.); (D.C.E.); (T.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Shazia Khan
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; (Y.C.); (M.D.); (N.M.K.); (S.K.); (C.J.C.); (D.C.E.); (T.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Christopher J. Coates
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; (Y.C.); (M.D.); (N.M.K.); (S.K.); (C.J.C.); (D.C.E.); (T.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Daniel C. Eastwood
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; (Y.C.); (M.D.); (N.M.K.); (S.K.); (C.J.C.); (D.C.E.); (T.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Ed Dudley
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK;
| | - Thierry Maffeis
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; (Y.C.); (M.D.); (N.M.K.); (S.K.); (C.J.C.); (D.C.E.); (T.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Joel Loveridge
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; (Y.C.); (M.D.); (N.M.K.); (S.K.); (C.J.C.); (D.C.E.); (T.M.); (J.L.)
| | - Tariq M. Butt
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales, UK; (Y.C.); (M.D.); (N.M.K.); (S.K.); (C.J.C.); (D.C.E.); (T.M.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: (E.H.H.); (T.M.B.)
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23
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Iwanicki NS, Botelho ABRZ, Klingen I, Júnior ID, Rossmann S, Lysøe E. Genomic signatures and insights into host niche adaptation of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium humberi. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2022; 12:6449448. [PMID: 34865006 PMCID: PMC9210286 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkab416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The genus Metarhizium is composed of species used in biological control programs of agricultural pests worldwide. This genus includes common fungal pathogen of many insects and mites and endophytes that can increase plant growth. Metarhizium humberi was recently described as a new species. This species is highly virulent against some insect pests and promotes growth in sugarcane, strawberry, and soybean crops. In this study, we sequenced the genome of M. humberi, isolate ESALQ1638, and performed a functional analysis to determine its genomic signatures and highlight the genes and biological processes associated with its lifestyle. The genome annotation predicted 10633 genes in M. humberi, of which 92.0% are assigned putative functions, and ∼17% of the genome was annotated as repetitive sequences. We found that 18.5% of the M. humberi genome is similar to experimentally validated proteins associated with pathogen-host interaction. Compared to the genomes of eight Metarhizium species, the M. humberi ESALQ1638 genome revealed some unique traits that stood out, e.g., more genes functionally annotated as polyketide synthases (PKSs), overrepresended GO-terms associated to transport of ions, organic and amino acid, a higher percentage of repetitive elements, and higher levels of RIP-induced point mutations. The M. humberi genome will serve as a resource for promoting studies on genome structure and evolution that can contribute to research on biological control and plant biostimulation. Thus, the genomic data supported the broad host range of this species within the generalist PARB clade and suggested that M. humberi ESALQ1638 might be particularly good at producing secondary metabolites and might be more efficient in transporting amino acids and organic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Sant′Anna Iwanicki
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
- Corresponding author: (N.S.I.); (E.L.)
| | | | - Ingeborg Klingen
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Ås 1431, Norway
| | - Italo Delalibera Júnior
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, “Luiz de Queiroz” College of Agriculture (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Simeon Rossmann
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Ås 1431, Norway
| | - Erik Lysøe
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Ås 1431, Norway
- Corresponding author: (N.S.I.); (E.L.)
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24
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Mazen MBH, Moharram AM, Hassan SHA, Abdel-Latif SM, Al-Bedak OA. Contribution to the soil-based Egyptian mycobiota in Hypocreales (Sordariomycetes) from Egypt. STUDIES IN FUNGI 2022. [DOI: 10.48130/sif-2022-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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25
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St. Leger RJ. From the Lab to the Last Mile: Deploying Transgenic Approaches Against Mosquitoes. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.804066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ingenious exploitation of transgenic approaches to produce malaria resistant or sterile mosquitoes, or hypervirulent mosquito pathogens, has produced many potential solutions to vector borne diseases. However, in spite of technological feasibility, it has not been determined how well these new methods will work, and how they should be tested and regulated. Some self-limiting transgenic fungal pathogens and mosquitoes are almost field ready, and may be easier to regulate than self-sustaining strategies. However, they require repeat sales and so must show business viability; low-cost mass production is just one of a number of technical constraints that are sometimes treated as an afterthought in technology deployment. No transgenic self-sustaining approach to anopheline control has ever been deployed because of unresolved ethical, social and regulatory issues. These overlapping issues include: 1) the transparency challenge, which requires public discourse, particularly in Africa where releases are proposed, to determine what society is willing to risk given the potential benefits; 2) the transboundary challenge, self-sustaining mosquitoes or pathogens are potentially capable of crossing national boundaries and irreversibly altering ecosystems, and 3) the risk assessment challenge. The polarized debate as to whether these technologies will ever be used to save lives is ongoing; they will founder without a political answer as to how do we interpret the precautionary principle, as exemplified in the Cartagena protocol, in the global context of technological changes.
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The Sugar Transporter MST1 Is Involved in Colonization of Rhizosphere and Rhizoplane by Metarhizium robertsii. mSystems 2021; 6:e0127721. [PMID: 34904861 PMCID: PMC8670370 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01277-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely recognized that plant-symbiotic fungi are supported by photosynthates; however, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the utilization of plant-derived sugars by rhizospheric fungi. In the insect-pathogenic and plant-symbiotic fungus Metarhizium robertsii, we previously showed that the utilization of oligosaccharides by the transporter MRT (Metarhizium raffinose transporter) is important for rhizosphere competency. In this study, we identified a novel monosaccharide transporter (MST1) that is involved in the colonization of the rhizoplane and acts additively with MRT to colonize the rhizosphere. MST1 is not involved in infection of insects by M. robertsii. MST1 is an H+ symporter and is able to transport a broad spectrum of monosaccharides, including glucose, sorbose, mannose, rhamnose, and fructose. Deletion of the Mst1 gene impaired germination and mycelial growth in medium containing the sugars that it can transport. Homologs of MST1 were widely found in many fungi, including plant symbionts such as Trichoderma spp. and mycorrhizal fungi and plant pathogens such as Fusarium spp. This work significantly advances insights into the development of symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi. IMPORTANCE Over 90% of all vascular plant species develop an intimate symbiosis with fungi, which has an enormous impact on terrestrial ecosystems. It is widely recognized that plant-symbiotic fungi are supported by photosynthates, but little is known about the mechanisms for fungi to utilize plant-derived carbon sources. In the fungus Metarhizium robertsii, we identified a novel monosaccharide transporter (MST1) that is an H+ symporter and can transport a broad spectrum of monosaccharides, including glucose, sorbose, mannose, rhamnose, and fructose. MST1 is involved in the colonization of the rhizoplane and acts additively with the previously characterized oligosaccharide transporter MRT to colonize the rhizosphere. Homologs of MST1 were found in many fungi, including plant symbionts and plant pathogens, suggesting that the utilization of plant-derived sugars by MST1 homologs could also be important for other fungi to develop a symbiotic or parasitic relationship with their respective plant hosts.
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Javed K, Humayun T, Humayun A, Wang Y, Javed H. PeaT1 and PeBC1 Microbial Protein Elicitors Enhanced Resistance against Myzus persicae Sulzer in Chili Capsicum annum L. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112197. [PMID: 34835323 PMCID: PMC8618443 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The green peach aphid (Myzus persicae Sulzer), a major and harmful chili aphid usually managed using chemical pesticides, is responsible for massive annual agricultural losses. The efficacy of two protein elicitors, PeaT1 and PeBC1, to stimulate a defensive response against M. persicae in chili was studied in this study. When compared to positive (water) and negative (buffer, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0) controls, the rates of population growth (intrinsic rate of increase) of M. persicae (second and third generations) were lower with PeaT1- and PeBC1-treated chilli seedlings. M. persicae demonstrated a preference for colonizing control (12.18 ± 0.06) plants over PeaT1- (7.60 ± 0.11) and PeBC1 (6.82 ± 0.09) treated chilli seedlings in a host selection assay. Moreover, PeaT1- and PeBC1-treated chilli seedlings, the nymphal development period of the M. persicae was extended. Similarly, fecundity was lowered in the PeaT1- and PeBC1-treated chilli seedlings, with fewer offspring produced compared to the positive (water) and negative controls (50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.0). The trichomes and wax production on the PeaT1 and PeBC1-treated chilli leaves created a disadvantageous surface environment for M. persicae. Compared to control (30.17 ± 0.16 mm-2), PeaT1 (56.23 ± 0.42 mm-2) and PeBC1 (52.14 ± 0.34 mm-2) had more trichomes. The levels of jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene (ET) were significantly higher in the PeaT1- and PeBC1-treated chili seedlings, indicating considerable accumulation. PeaT1 and PeBC1 significantly affected the height of the chili plant and the surface structure of the leaves, reducing M. persicae reproduction and preventing colonization, according to the data. The activation of pathways was also part of the defensive response (JA, SA, and ET). This present research findings established an evidence of biocontrol for the utilization of PeaT1 and PeBC1 in the defence of chili plants against M. persicae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadija Javed
- Department of Plant Pathology, Agriculture College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China;
- Department of Environmental Science, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan
| | - Talha Humayun
- Department of Surgery (Surgical Unit 1 HFH), Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan;
| | - Ayesha Humayun
- Department of Clinical studies, Pir Mehr Ali Shah-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46300, Pakistan;
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Plant Pathology, Agriculture College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China;
- Correspondence:
| | - Humayun Javed
- Department of Entomology, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan;
- Rothamsted Research, West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, UK
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Biological Diabrotica Management and Monitoring of Metarhizium Diversity in Austrian Maize Fields Following Mass Application of the Entomopathogen Metarhizium brunneum. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11209445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Inundative mass application of Metarhizium brunneum BIPESCO 5 (Hypocreales, Clavicipitaceae) is used for the biological control of Diabrotica v. virgifera (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae). Long-term field trials were performed in three Austrian maize fields—with different cultivation techniques and infestation rates—in order to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment to control the pest larvae. In addition, the indigenous Metarhizium spp. population structure was assessed to compare the different field sites with BIPESCO 5 mass application. Annual application of the product Granmet-PTM (Metarhizium colonized barley kernels) significantly increased the density of Metarhizium spp. in the treated soil above the upper natural background level of 1000 colony forming units per gram dry weight soil. Although a decrease in the pest population over time was not achieved in heavily infested areas, less damage occurred in treated field sites in comparison to control sites. The Metarhizium population structure was significantly different between the treated field sites. Results showed that inundative mass application should be repeated regularly to achieve good persistence of the biological control agent, and indicated that despite intensive applications, indigenous populations of Metarhizium spp. can coexist in these habitats. To date, crop rotation remains the method of choice for pest reduction in Europe, however continuous and preventive application of M. brunneum may also present an alternative for the successful biological control of Diabrotica.
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Bamisile BS, Akutse KS, Siddiqui JA, Xu Y. Model Application of Entomopathogenic Fungi as Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides: Prospects, Challenges, and Insights for Next-Generation Sustainable Agriculture. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:741804. [PMID: 34659310 PMCID: PMC8514871 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.741804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades, the control of pests and diseases of cultivated plants using natural and biological measures has drawn increasing attention in the quest to reduce the level of dependence on chemical products for agricultural production. The use of living organisms, predators, parasitoids, and microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, has proven to be a viable and sustainable pest management technique. Among the aforementioned, fungi, most importantly the insect-pathogenic species, have been in use for more than 150years. These include the most popular strains belonging to the genera Beauveria, Metarhizium, Isaria, Hirsutella, and Lecanicillium. Their application is usually through an inundative approach, which inherently involves exposure of the fungal spores to unfavorable humidity, temperature, and solar radiation conditions. These abiotic factors reduce the persistence and efficacy of these insect-pathogenic fungi. Despite these limitations, over 170 strains have been formulated as mycopesticides and are available for commercial use. In the last few decades, numerous studies have suggested that these species of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) offer far more benefits and have broader ecological functions than hitherto presumed. For instance, aside from their roles as insect killers, it has been well established that they also colonize various host plants and, hence, provide other benefits including plant pathogen antagonism and plant growth promotion and serve as sources of novel bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites, etc. In this light, the potential of EPF as alternatives or perhaps as supplements to chemical pesticides in plant protection is discussed in this review. The paper highlights the numerous benefits associated with endophytic fungal entomopathogen and host plant associations, the mechanisms involved in mediating plant defense against pests and pathogens, and the general limitations to the use of EPF in plant protection. A deeper understanding of these plant host-fungus-insect relationships could help unveil the hidden potentials of fungal endophytes, which would consequently increase the level of acceptance and adoption by users as an integral part of pest management programs and as a suitable alternative to chemical inputs toward sustainable crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Komivi Senyo Akutse
- Plant Health Theme, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Junaid Ali Siddiqui
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijuan Xu
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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30
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Flonc B, Barbercheck M, Ahmad I. Observations on the Relationships between Endophytic Metarhizium robertsii, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and Maize. Pathogens 2021; 10:713. [PMID: 34200234 PMCID: PMC8230249 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi in the genus Metarhizium are entomopathogens that can establish endophytically inside plants and benefit them through growth promotion and pest suppression. Lab- and greenhouse-based experiments were conducted to examine the effects of endophytic M. robertsii colonization in maize (Zea mays) on fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda). Maize seeds were inoculated with M. robertsii conidia, plants were evaluated for endophytic colonization, and then relative growth rate (RGR) and feeding behavior of larval FAW fed leaves from inoculated and uninoculated maize were measured. Endophytic M. robertsii was recovered from 60.5% of inoculated maize. In feeding bioassays, the RGR of larval FAW fed leaves of inoculated maize was no different than the RGR of larvae fed leaves from uninoculated maize. The RGR of larval FAW was positively correlated with the proportion of endophytic colonization of maize leaf and root tissues; however, in feeding assays, FAW larvae demonstrated no preference for consuming leaf tissue from inoculated or uninoculated maize. The proportion of leaf tissue consumed was unrelated to the proportion of M. robertsii-colonization of leaf or root tissue from source plants. We discuss possible reasons why FAW were not affected by endophytic M. robertsii in the context of assay methodology, FAW physiology, and induced maize defenses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Flonc
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (B.F.); (M.B.)
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)—Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Carlisle, PA 17013, USA
| | - Mary Barbercheck
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (B.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Imtiaz Ahmad
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (B.F.); (M.B.)
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31
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Marciano AF, Mascarin GM, Franco RFF, Golo PS, Jaronski ST, Fernandes ÉKK, Bittencourt VREP. Innovative granular formulation of Metarhizium robertsii microsclerotia and blastospores for cattle tick control. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4972. [PMID: 33654152 PMCID: PMC7925645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The tick Rhipicephalus microplus poses a serious threat to the cattle industry, resulting in economic losses aggravated by tick resistance to chemical acaricides. Strains of Metarhizium spp., a well-known group of entomopathogenic fungi, can contribute to managing this ectoparasite. We explored two novel granular, microsclerotia- or blastospores-based formulations of Metarhizium robertsii for R. microplus control under semi-field conditions. Fungal persistence in soil was also observed for 336 days. The experiment used pots of Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk grass, treated with 0.25 or 0.5 mg of granular formulation/cm2 (25 or 50 kg/ha) applied to the soil surface prior to transferring engorged tick females onto the treated soil. The fungal granules yielded more conidia with subsequent sporulation under controlled indoor conditions than in the outdoor environment, where the levels of fungus rapidly declined over time. Metarhizium-root colonization ranged from 25 to 66.7% depending on the propagule and rate. Fungal formulations significantly reduced the number of tick larvae during the humid season, reaching at least 64.8% relative efficacy. Microsclerotia or blastospores-granular formulations of M. robertsii can reduce the impact of R. microplus, and thus prove to be a promising tool in the control of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Felipe Marciano
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel Moura Mascarin
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Environment, Jaguariúna, São Paulo, 13918-110, Brazil.
| | - Renato Felipe Ferreira Franco
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Silva Golo
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil
| | | | - Éverton Kort Kamp Fernandes
- Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, 74690-900, Brazil
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St. Leger RJ, Wang JB. Metarhizium: jack of all trades, master of many. Open Biol 2020; 10:200307. [PMID: 33292103 PMCID: PMC7776561 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The genus Metarhizium and Pochonia chlamydosporia comprise a monophyletic clade of highly abundant globally distributed fungi that can transition between long-term beneficial associations with plants to transitory pathogenic associations with frequently encountered protozoans, nematodes or insects. Some very common 'specialist generalist' species are adapted to particular soil and plant ecologies, but can overpower a wide spectrum of insects with numerous enzymes and toxins that result from extensive gene duplications made possible by loss of meiosis and associated genome defence mechanisms. These species use parasexuality instead of sex to combine beneficial mutations from separate clonal individuals into one genome (Vicar of Bray dynamics). More weakly endophytic species which kill a narrow range of insects retain sexuality to facilitate host-pathogen coevolution (Red Queen dynamics). Metarhizium species can fit into numerous environments because they are very flexible at the genetic, physiological and ecological levels, providing tractable models to address how new mechanisms for econutritional heterogeneity, host switching and virulence are acquired and relate to diverse sexual life histories and speciation. Many new molecules and functions have been discovered that underpin Metarhizium associations, and have furthered our understanding of the crucial ecology of these fungi in multiple habitats.
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The multifunctional lifestyles of Metarhizium: evolution and applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:9935-9945. [PMID: 33085023 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10968-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The genus Metarhizium is comprised of a diverse group of common soil fungi that exhibit multifunctional lifestyles with varying degrees of saprotrophic, endophytic, and insect pathogenic modes of nutrient acquisition. The transcriptome of these species is modulated to reflect immediate needs of the fungus and availability of resources-a form of transcriptional plasticity that allows for physiological adaptation to environments with diverse and dynamic exploitable nutrient sources. In this review, we discuss the endophytic, insect pathogenic lifestyles of Metarhizium spp., including their symbiotic interface, origins, and evolution, and agricultural applications. Isotope labeling experiments have demonstrated that a mutually beneficial exchange of limiting nutrients occurs between the fungus and its host plant, with nitrogen derived via insect pathogenesis being translocated from Metarhizium to host plants in exchange for fixed carbon in the form of photosynthate. Thus, the endophytic and entomopathogenic abilities of Metarhizium spp. are not exclusive of one another, but rather are interdependent and reciprocal in nature. Although endophytic, insect pathogenic fungi (EIPF) could certainly have evolved from insect pathogenic fungi, phylogenomic evidence indicates that this genus is more closely related to plant-associated fungi than animal pathogens, suggesting that Metarhizium evolved from a lineage of plant symbionts, which subsequently acquired genes for insect pathogenesis. Entomopathogenicity may have been an adaptive trait, allowing for procurement of insect-derived nitrogen that could be translocated to host plants and bartered for fixed carbon, thereby improving the stability of fungal-plant symbioses. Given their ability to simultaneously parasitize soil insects, including a number of pests of agriculturally important crops, as well as promote plant health, growth, and productivity, Metarhizium spp. are considered promising alternatives to the chemical pesticides and fertilizers that have wreaked havoc on the health and integrity of ecosystems. KEY POINTS: • Metarhizium is a fungus that is an insect pathogen as well as a plant symbiont. • The genus Metarhizium has specialist and generalist insect pathogens. • Metarhizium is phylogenetically most closely related to plant endophytes.
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Wang Z, Li M, Ju W, Ye W, Xue L, Boufford DE, Gao X, Yue B, Liu Y, Pierce NE. The entomophagous caterpillar fungus Ophiocordyceps sinensis is consumed by its lepidopteran host as a plant endophyte. FUNGAL ECOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2020.100989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Lahey S, Angelone S, DeBartolo MO, Coutinho-Rodrigues C, Bidochka MJ. Localization of the insect pathogenic fungal plant symbionts Metarhizium robertsii and Metarhizium brunneum in bean and corn roots. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:877-883. [PMID: 32948275 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Metarhizium is an insect pathogenic fungus and a plant root symbiont. Here the root association patterns (rhizoplane or endophytic colonization) were analyzed in common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and sweet corn (Zea mays) using M. robertsii and M. brunneum under various vermiculite treatments (control, with sucrose, with an insect) at two time points of plant growth (10 and 20 days). We observed that M. brunneum and M. robertsii preferentially endophytically colonized the hypocotyl, however, greater rhizoplane colonization was observed at the regions proximal to the hypocotyl in both plants. Vermiculite amended with an infected insect resulted in greater endophytic and rhizoplane colonization at 20 days compared to 10 days, for both plants as well as for both Metarhizium species. Regardless of the vermiculite treatment, corn was preferentially colonized compared to bean. Sucrose amendment in the vermiculite and infected insect amended vermiculite only showed differences in rhizoplane colonization. The greatest root association occurred with M. brunneum with an infected insect and that in corn after 20 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lahey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Steven Angelone
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Marie Olivia DeBartolo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada
| | | | - Michael J Bidochka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, L2S 3A1, Canada.
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Genetic Reprogramming of the Ergot Alkaloid Pathway of Metarhizium brunneum. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.01251-20. [PMID: 32769181 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01251-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ergot alkaloids are important specialized fungal metabolites that are used to make potent pharmaceuticals for neurological diseases and disorders. Lysergic acid (LA) and dihydrolysergic acid (DHLA) are desirable lead compounds for pharmaceutical semisynthesis but are typically transient intermediates in the ergot alkaloid and dihydroergot alkaloid pathways. Previous work with Neosartorya fumigata demonstrated strategies to produce these compounds as pathway end products, but their percent yield (percentage of molecules in product state as opposed to precursor state) was low. Moreover, ergot alkaloids in N. fumigata are typically retained in the fungus as opposed to being secreted. We used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) and heterologous expression approaches to engineer these compounds in Metarhizium brunneum, representing an alternate expression host from a different lineage of fungi. The relative percent yields of LA (86.9%) and DHLA (72.8%) were much higher than those calculated here for previously engineered strains of N. fumigata (2.6% and 2.0%, respectively). Secretion of these alkaloids also was measured, with averages of 98.4% of LA and 87.5% of DHLA being secreted into the growth medium; both values were significantly higher than those measured for the N. fumigata derivatives (both of which were less than 5.6% secreted). We used a similar approach to engineer a novel dihydroergot alkaloid in M. brunneum and, through high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses, provisionally identified it as the dihydrogenated form of lysergic acid α-hydroxyethylamide (dihydro-LAH). The engineering of these strains provides a strategy for producing novel and pharmaceutically important chemicals in a fungus more suitable for their production.IMPORTANCE Ergot alkaloids derived from LA or DHLA are the bases for numerous pharmaceuticals with applications in the treatment of dementia, migraines, hyperprolactinemia, and other conditions. However, extraction of ergot alkaloids from natural sources is inefficient, and their chemical synthesis is expensive. The ability to control and redirect ergot alkaloid synthesis in fungi may allow more efficient production of these important chemicals and facilitate research on novel derivatives. Our results show that Metarhizium brunneum can be engineered to efficiently produce and secrete LA and DHLA and, also, to produce a novel derivative of DHLA not previously found in nature. The engineering of dihydroergot alkaloids, including a novel species, is important because very few natural sources of these compounds are known. Our approach establishes a platform with which to use M. brunneum to study the production of other ergot alkaloids, specifically those classified as lysergic acid amides and dihydroergot alkaloids.
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Tomilova OG, Shaldyaeva EM, Kryukova NA, Pilipova YV, Schmidt NS, Danilov VP, Kryukov VY, Glupov VV. Entomopathogenic fungi decrease Rhizoctonia disease in potato in field conditions. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9895. [PMID: 32995085 PMCID: PMC7501787 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhizoctonia potato disease is widespread in the world and causes substantial yield and quality losses in potato. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana in the inhibition of potato Rhizoctonia complex disease. The efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungi M. robertsii and B. bassiana in the defense of potato against Rhizoctonia disease (stem cancer, black scrulf and other forms of manifestation on tubers) was estimated under field conditions in Western Siberia. Preplanting treatment of the tubers with B. bassiana decreased Rhizoctonia disease in the stems and stolons. At the same time, treatment with M. robertsii did not cause a decrease in Rhizoctonia disease in these organs. However, both fungi decreased the sclerotium index on the tubers of new crops. We demonstrated two mechanisms of inhibition of Rhizoctonia solani by M. robertsii and B. bassiana, including (1) direct effect, expressed as inhibition of R. solani sclerotium formation in cocultivation assays, and (2) indirect effect, which is associated with increased peroxidase activity in potato roots under the influence of colonization by entomopathogenic fungi. We suggest that the treatment of seed tubers with B. basiana can effectively manage Rhizoctonia disease during the plant vegetative season and that both fungi significantly improve the quality of the new tuber crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana G Tomilova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena M Shaldyaeva
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Department of Plant Protection, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia A Kryukova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yulia V Pilipova
- Department of Plant Protection, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia S Schmidt
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Viktor P Danilov
- Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies (SFSCA) of the RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vadim Y Kryukov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Viktor V Glupov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Kowalska J, Tyburski J, Matysiak K, Tylkowski B, Malusá E. Field Exploitation of Multiple Functions of Beneficial Microorganisms for Plant Nutrition and Protection: Real Possibility or Just a Hope? Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1904. [PMID: 32849475 PMCID: PMC7419637 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioproducts, i.e., microbial based pesticides or fertilizers (biopesticides and biofertilizers), should be expected to play an ever-increasing role and application in agricultural practices world-wide in the effort to implement policies concerned with sustainable agriculture. However, several microbial strains have proven the capacity to augment plant productivity by enhancing crop nutrition and functioning as biopesticides, or vice-versa. This multifunctionality is an issue that is still not included as a concept and possibility in any legal provision regarding the placing on the market of bioproducts, and indicates difficulties in clearly classifying the purpose of their suitability. In this review, we overview the current understanding of the mechanisms in plant-microbe interactions underlining the dual function of microbial strains toward plant nutrition and protection. The prospects of market development for multifunctional bioproducts are then considered in view of the current regulatory approach in the European Union, in an effort that wants to stimulate a wider adoption of the new knowledge on the role played by microorganisms in crop production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Józef Tyburski
- Department of Agroecosystems, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | | | - Eligio Malusá
- Research Institute of Horticulture, Skierniewice, Poland
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Putnoky-Csicsó B, Tonk S, Szabó A, Márton Z, Tóthné Bogdányi F, Tóth F, Abod É, Bálint J, Balog A. Effectiveness of the Entomopathogenic Fungal Species Metarhizium anisopliae Strain NCAIM 362 Treatments against Soil Inhabiting Melolontha melolontha Larvae in Sweet Potato ( Ipomoea batatas L.). J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E116. [PMID: 32707976 PMCID: PMC7560189 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of fungal entomopathogen M. anisopliae strain NCAIM 362 against M. melolontha larvae in sweet potato was tested under open field conditions when crop management included compost supply and soil cover (agro-foil or agro-textile). Additionally, the effect of M. anisopliae same strain against M. melolontha was compared with the effect of α-cypermethrin under greenhouse conditions. Soil microbial community using Illumina sequencing and soil biological activity were tested as possible parameter influencing M. anisopliae effect. According to the results, compost supply and textile cover may enhance the effectiveness of M. anisopliae under open field conditions, while no effect of fungal treatment was detected under greenhouse conditions. Even if soil parameters (chemical composition, bacterial, and biological activity) were identical, the effect of α-cypermethrin against M. melolontha larvae was significant: lower ratio of larval survival and less damaged tubers were detected after the chemical treatment. Our results suggest that M. anisopliae strain NCAIM 362 is not effective to control M. melolontha larvae, further pieces of research are needed to test other species of the Metarhizium genus to find an effective agent for sustainable pest control in sweet potato.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barna Putnoky-Csicsó
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Technical and Human Sciences, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, 400112 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.P.-C.); (É.A.)
- Department of Integrated Plant Protection, Plant Protection Institute, Faculty of Horticultural Science, Szent István University, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
| | - Szende Tonk
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Art and Sciences, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, 400193 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Attila Szabó
- Department of Microbiology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (Z.M.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Márton
- Department of Microbiology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (A.S.); (Z.M.)
| | | | - Ferenc Tóth
- Department of Integrated Plant Protection, Plant Protection Institute, Faculty of Horticultural Science, Szent István University, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary;
| | - Éva Abod
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Technical and Human Sciences, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, 400112 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.P.-C.); (É.A.)
| | - János Bálint
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Technical and Human Sciences, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, 400112 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.P.-C.); (É.A.)
| | - Adalbert Balog
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Technical and Human Sciences, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, 400112 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (B.P.-C.); (É.A.)
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Several Metarhizium Species Produce Ergot Alkaloids in a Condition-Specific Manner. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.00373-20. [PMID: 32385081 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00373-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic sequence data indicate that certain fungi in the genus Metarhizium have the capacity to produce lysergic acid-derived ergot alkaloids, but accumulation of ergot alkaloids in these fungi has not been demonstrated previously. We assayed several Metarhizium species grown under different conditions for accumulation of ergot alkaloids. Isolates of M. brunneum and M. anisopliae accumulated the lysergic acid amides lysergic acid α-hydroxyethyl amide, ergine, and ergonovine on sucrose-yeast extract agar but not on two other tested media. Isolates of six other Metarhizium species did not accumulate ergot alkaloids on sucrose-yeast extract agar. Conidia of M. brunneum lacked detectable ergot alkaloids, and mycelia of this fungus secreted over 80% of their ergot alkaloid yield into the culture medium. Isolates of M. brunneum, M. flavoviride, M. robertsii, M. acridum, and M. anisopliae produced high concentrations of ergot alkaloids in infected larvae of the model insect Galleria mellonella, but larvae infected with M. pingshaense, M. album, M. majus, and M. guizhouense lacked detectable ergot alkaloids. Alkaloid concentrations were significantly higher when insects were alive (as opposed to killed by freezing or gas) at the time of inoculation with M. brunneum Roots of corn and beans were inoculated with M. brunneum or M. flavoviride and global metabolomic analyses indicated that the inoculated roots were colonized, though no ergot alkaloids were detected. The data demonstrate that several Metarhizium species produce ergot alkaloids of the lysergic acid amide class and that production of ergot alkaloids is tightly regulated and associated with insect colonization.IMPORTANCE Our discovery of ergot alkaloids in fungi of the genus Metarhizium has agricultural and pharmaceutical implications. Ergot alkaloids produced by other fungi in the family Clavicipitaceae accumulate in forage grasses or grain crops; in this context they are considered toxins, though their presence also may deter or kill insect pests. Our data report ergot alkaloids in Metarhizium species and indicate a close association of ergot alkaloid accumulation with insect colonization. The lack of accumulation of alkaloids in spores of the fungi and in plants colonized by the fungi affirms the safety of using Metarhizium species as biocontrol agents. Ergot alkaloids produced by other fungi have been exploited to produce powerful pharmaceuticals. The class of ergot alkaloids discovered in Metarhizium species (lysergic acid amides) and their secretion into the growth medium make Metarhizium species a potential platform for future studies on ergot alkaloid synthesis and modification.
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Ment D, Raman S, Gal S, Ezra D, Palevsky E. Interactions of Metarhizium brunneum-7 with Phytophagous Mites Following Different Application Strategies. INSECTS 2020; 11:E330. [PMID: 32481489 PMCID: PMC7349670 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Metarhizium brunneum is a generalist entomopathogenic fungus known to be virulent against Acari. We investigated Metarhizium brunneum-7 (Mb7) interactions in three systems of phytophagous mites and their respective plant hosts: Volkamer lemon (Citrus volkameriana) and the citrus rust mite Phyllocoptruta oleivora; common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae; and spring onion (Allium cepa) and the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus robini. All three mite species were susceptible to directly applied Mb7 conidia. Results obtained using the standard method for studying endophytic colonization vs. live confocal imaging of plant tissues using the green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transformed fungus differed markedly, demonstrating that microscopy validation was more definite than the standard process of recovery from plant tissue. Endophytic colonization was observed in conidium-infiltrated citrus leaves and in roots of onion plants treated with soil-drenched conidia, but not in common bean treated by either spray or drench of conidia. Endophytic colonization of citrus leaves did not affect the citrus mite population. Drench application in common bean reduced two-spotted mite population. Similarly, drench application in onion reduced bulb mite population. This study emphasizes the importance of the host plant effects on Mb7 control efficacy of mite pests, and the merits of live-imaging techniques in studying endophytic interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Ment
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), The Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel;
| | - Sukirtha Raman
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), The Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel;
| | - Shira Gal
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Plant Protection Institute, ARO, Newe Yaar Reseach Center, P.O. Box 1021, Ramat Yishay 30095, Israel; (S.G.); (E.P.)
| | - David Ezra
- Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, Plant Protection Institute, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), The Volcani Center, HaMaccabim Road 68, Rishon LeZion 7528809, Israel;
| | - Eric Palevsky
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Plant Protection Institute, ARO, Newe Yaar Reseach Center, P.O. Box 1021, Ramat Yishay 30095, Israel; (S.G.); (E.P.)
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Ahmad I, Jiménez-Gasco MDM, Luthe DS, Barbercheck ME. Systemic Colonization by Metarhizium robertsii Enhances Cover Crop Growth. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E64. [PMID: 32429548 PMCID: PMC7344985 DOI: 10.3390/jof6020064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi in the genus Metarhizium (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) are insect pathogens that can establish as endophytes and can benefit their host plant. In field experiments, we observed a positive correlation between the prevalence of M. robertsii and legume cover crops, and a negative relationship with brassicaceous cover crops and with increasing proportion of cereal rye in mixtures. Here, we report the effects of endophytic M. robertsii on three cover crop species under greenhouse conditions. We inoculated seeds of Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L., AWP), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), and winter canola (Brassica napus L.) with conidia of M. robertsii to assess the effects of endophytic colonization on cover crop growth. We recovered M. robertsii from 59%, 46%, and 39% of seed-inoculated AWP, cereal rye, and canola plants, respectively. Endophytic M. robertsii significantly increased height and above-ground biomass of AWP and cereal rye but did not affect chlorophyll content of any of the cover crop species. Among inoculated plants from which we recovered M. robertsii, above-ground biomass of AWP was positively correlated with the proportion of colonized root but not leaf tissue sections. Our results suggest that winter cover crops may help to conserve Metarhizium spp. in annual cropping systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imtiaz Ahmad
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - María del Mar Jiménez-Gasco
- Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Dawn S. Luthe
- Department of Plant Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
| | - Mary E. Barbercheck
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
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Mongkolsamrit S, Khonsanit A, Thanakitpipattana D, Tasanathai K, Noisripoom W, Lamlertthon S, Himaman W, Houbraken J, Samson RA, Luangsa-Ard J. Revisiting Metarhizium and the description of new species from Thailand. Stud Mycol 2020; 95:171-251. [PMID: 32855740 PMCID: PMC7426330 DOI: 10.1016/j.simyco.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades the molecular phylogeny and classification of Metarhizium has been widely studied. Despite these efforts to understand this enigmatic genus, the basal lineages in Metarhizium are still poorly resolved. In this study, a phylogenetic framework is reconstructed for the Clavicipitaceae focusing on Metarhizium through increased taxon-sampling using five genomic loci (SSU, LSU, tef, rpb1, rpb2) and the barcode marker ITS rDNA. Multi-gene phylogenetic analyses and morphological characterisation of green-spored entomopathogenic Metarhizium isolates from Thailand and soil isolates of M. carneum and M. marquandii reveal their ecological, genetic and species diversity. Nineteen new species are recognised in the Metarhizium clade with narrow host ranges: two new species are found in the M. anisopliae complex - M. clavatum on Coleoptera larvae and M. sulphureum on Lepidoptera larvae; four new species are found in the M. flavoviride complex - M. biotecense and M. fusoideum on brown plant hoppers (Hemiptera), M. culicidarum on mosquitoes, M. nornnoi on Lepidoptera larvae; three new species M. megapomponiae, M. cicadae, M. niveum occur on cicadas; five new species M. candelabrum, M. cercopidarum, M. ellipsoideum, M. huainamdangense M. ovoidosporum occur on planthoppers, leafhoppers and froghoppers (Hemiptera); one new species M. eburneum on Lepidoptera pupae; and four new species M. phuwiangense, M. purpureum, M. purpureonigrum, M. flavum on Coleoptera . Of these 19 new species, seven produce a sexual morph (M. clavatum, M. eburneum, M. flavum, M. phuwiangense, M. purpureonigrum, M. purpureum, and M. sulphureum) and asexual morphs are found in the remaining new species and also in M. sulphureum, M. purpureonigrum and M. purpureum. Metarhizium blattodeae, M. koreanum and M. viridulum are new records for Thailand. An alternative neotype for Metarhizium anisopliae is proposed based on multi-gene and 5'tef analyses showing that CBS 130.71 from Ukraine is more suitable, being from a much closer geographical location to Metchnikoff's Metarhizium anisopliae. This isolate is distinct from the neotype of Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae proposed by M. Tulloch from Ethiopia (ARSEF 7487). Six new genera are established for monophyletic clades subtending the core Metarhizium clade, including Keithomyces, Marquandomyces, Papiliomyces, Purpureomyces, Sungia, and Yosiokobayasia. Metarhizium carneum, M. aciculare, and M. neogunnii are combined in Keithomyces and one new combination for M. marquandii in Marquandomyces is proposed. Purpureomyces is introduced for species producing purple stromata including a new combination for M. khaoyaiense and two new species P. maesotensis and P. pyriformis. Papiliomyces contains two new combinations for M. liangshanense and Metacordyceps shibinensis. The genus Sungia is proposed for the Korean species M. yongmunense on Lepidoptera pupa and Yosiokobayasia for the Japanese species M. kusanagiense also on Lepidoptera pupa. A synoptic and dichotomous key to the accepted taxa is provided together with tables listing distinguishing morphological characters between species, host preferences, and geography.
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Key Words
- Biological control
- Clavicipitaceae
- Entomopathogenic fungi
- Keithomyces Samson, Luangsa-ard & Houbraken
- Keithomyces acicularis (H. Iwasaki et al.) Samson, Luangsa-ard & Houbraken
- Keithomyces carneus (Duché & R. Heim) Samson, Luangsa-ard & Houbraken
- Keithomyces neogunnii (T.C. Wen & K.D. Hyde) Luangsa-ard, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. candelabrum Luangsa-ard, Mongkolsamrit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. cercopidarum Luangsa-ard, Mongkolsamrit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. cicadae Luangsa-ard, Tasanathai, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. clavatum Luangsa-ard, Mongkolsamrit, Lamlertthon, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. culicidarum Luangsa-ard, Khonsanit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. eburneum Luangsa-ard, Noisripoom, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. ellipsoideum Luangsa-ard, Khonsanit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. flavum Luangsa-ard, Mongkolsamrit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. fusoideum Luangsa-ard, Mongkolsamrit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. huainamdangense Luangsa-ard, Mongkolsamrit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. megapomponiae Luangsa-ard, Tasanathai, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. niveum Luangsa-ard, Tasanathai, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. nornnoi Luangsa-ard, Khonsanit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. ovoidosporum Luangsa-ard, Khonsanit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. phuwiangense Luangsa-ard, Mongkolsamrit, Himaman, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. purpureonigrum Luangsa-ard, Tasanathai, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. purpureum Luangsa-ard, Mongkolsamrit, Lamlertthon, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- M. sulphureum Luangsa-ard, Khonsanit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- Marquandomyces Samson, Houbraken & Luangsa-ard
- Marquandomyces marquandii (Massee) Samson, Houbraken & Luangsa-ard
- Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokīn
- Metarhizium biotecense Luangsa-ard, Khonsanit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- P. pyriformis Luangsa-ard, Noisripoom, Himaman, Mongkolsamrit, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- Papiliomyces Luangsa-ard, Samson & Thanakitpipattana
- Papiliomyces liangshanensis (M. Zang et al.) Luangsa-ard, Samson & Thanakitpipattana
- Papiliomyces shibinensis (T.C. Wen et al.) Luangsa-ard Samson & Thanakitpipattana
- Purpureomyces Luangsa-ard, Samson & Thanakitpipattana
- Purpureomyces khaoyaiensis (Hywel-Jones) Luangsa-ard, Samson & Thanakitpipattana
- Purpureomyces maesotensis Luangsa-ard, Noisripoom, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- Sungia Luangsa-ard, Samson & Thanakitpipattana
- Sungia yongmunensis (G.H. Sung et al.) Luangsa-ard, Thanakitpipattana & Samson
- Yosiokobayasia Samson, Luangsa-ard & Thanakitpipattana
- Yosiokobayasia kusanagiensis (Kobayasi & Shimizu) Samson, Luangsa-ard & Thanakitpipattana
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mongkolsamrit
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - A Khonsanit
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - D Thanakitpipattana
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - K Tasanathai
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - W Noisripoom
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - S Lamlertthon
- Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, 65000, Thailand
| | - W Himaman
- Forest Entomology and Microbiology Research Group, Forest and Plant Conservation Research Office, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, 61 Phahonyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - J Houbraken
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, NL-3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - R A Samson
- Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, NL-3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - J Luangsa-Ard
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), 113 Thailand Science Park, Phahonyothin Road, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
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Lira ACD, Mascarin GM, Delalibera Júnior Í. Microsclerotia production of Metarhizium spp. for dual role as plant biostimulant and control of Spodoptera frugiperda through corn seed coating. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:689-699. [PMID: 32690250 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The fungal genus Metarhizium comprises entomopathogenic species capable of producing overwintering structures known as microsclerotia. These structures offer many advantages in pest control due to the formation of infective conidia in situ and their persistence in the environment under adverse conditions. In addition, the in vitro production of Metarhizium microsclerotia under controlled liquid fermentation is faster and with greater process control than the production of aerial conidia. However, the potential of Metarhizium microsclerotia to control pests from the orders Lepidoptera and Hemiptera is unexplored. In this study, we examined the ability of Metarhizium spp. microsclerotia to promote corn growth and to provide plant protection against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Dalbulus maidis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), through seed coating using microsclerotial granules. A screening to find higher microsclerotia producers was conducted by culturing 48 native Brazilian isolates of Metarhizium spp. (Metarhizium anisopliae, Metarhizium robertsii, Metarhizium humberi and Metarhizium sp. indeterminate). The best microsclerotia producers, M. anisopliae ESALQ1814, M. robertsii ESALQ2450 and M. humberi ESALQ1638 improved the leaf area, plant height, root length, and dry weight of plants compared to un-inoculated plants. Significant reduction in S. frugiperda survival (mortality > 55% after 7 days) was observed when larvae were fed on corn plants treated with any of the three Metarhizium species. Conversely, survival of D. maidis adults were unaffected by feeding on fungus-inoculated plants. Our results suggest that microsclerotia of Metarhizium spp. may act as biostimulants and to provide protection against S. frugiperda in corn through seed coating, thus adding an innovative strategy into the integrated management of this major worldwide pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Cesar de Lira
- Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Moura Mascarin
- Embrapa Meio Ambiente, Rodovia SP-340, km 127.5, S/N - Tanquinho Velho, Jaguariúna, SP, 13820-000, Brazil.
| | - Ítalo Delalibera Júnior
- Departamento de Entomologia e Acarologia, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
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Effects of Seedling Age on Colonization Patterns of Citrus limon Plants by Endophytic Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae and Their Influence on Seedlings Growth. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6010029. [PMID: 32106557 PMCID: PMC7151192 DOI: 10.3390/jof6010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The inoculation methods, the fungal strains, and several other factors are known to influent the success of fungal entomopathogens colonization in plants. The physiological status of the plant could also be another determinant. In the present study, the ability of three strains of Beauveria bassiana and one strain of Metarhizium anisopliae to successfully colonize Citrus limon plants and the influence of seedling age on endophytic colonization success was examined. Three, 4, and 6 months old seedlings were inoculated with 10 mL of 1 × 108 conidial·mL−1 suspensions of each of the four fungal strains via foliar spraying. All fungal strains successfully colonized citrus seedlings and were sustained up to 2 months in colonized plants irrespective of the seedling age, with differences in the mean percentage colonization recorded at various post-inoculation periods among the fungal strains. The highest percent endophytic fungi recovery rate was recorded in the 3 months old seedlings, where fungal mycelia of inoculated fungi were successfully re-isolated from 65.6% of the untreated newly developed leaf and stem tissues. One strain of B. bassiana, BB Fafu-12, significantly improved seedling height and leaf number. The study demonstrates the influence of seedling age on B. bassiana and M. anisopliae successful colonization in the citrus plant.
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Guo H, Wang H, Keyhani NO, Xia Y, Peng G. Disruption of an adenylate-forming reductase required for conidiation, increases virulence of the insect pathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum by enhancing cuticle invasion. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:758-768. [PMID: 31392798 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metarhizium acridum, is a specific acridid pathogen developed for use against the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria manilensis). Adenylate-forming reductases (AFRs) include enzymes that are involved in natural product biosynthesis. Here, we genetically characterize the functions of a class IV AFR in M. acridum (MaAfrIV ) on fungal development and virulence. RESULTS Gene expression analyses indicated MaAfrIV was induced on locust wings early during the infection process. Surprisingly, loss of MaAfrIV increased virulence (25.20% decrease in the median lethal time) against the locust in topical bioassays but was no different than the wild type when the cuticle was bypassed by direct infection of conidia into the insect hemocoel. Virulence markers including protease (Pr1) expression and appressorial turgor pressure were higher in the mutant than the parent strain. No difference was seen in the expression of host immune genes (Toll pathway) or in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in locusts infected by the ΔMaAfrIV or wild type strains. However, the ΔMaAfrIV strain was unable to successfully sporulate on dead cadavers. CONCLUSION Disruption of MaAfrIV increased fungal virulence by promoting insect cuticle invasion without altering host immune response or fungal immune evasion. Although loss of MaAfrIV conferred an apparent benefit to the fungus in terms of enhanced virulence, a significant trade-off was seen in the inability of the fungus to sporulate on the cadaver. As conidiation on the cadaver is essential for subsequent propagation in the environment, loss of MaAfrIV can reduce the engineering strains survivability in the field and improve the safety. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Guo
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides and Key Lab of Functional Gene and Regulation Technology under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Wang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides and Key Lab of Functional Gene and Regulation Technology under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nemat O Keyhani
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yuxian Xia
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides and Key Lab of Functional Gene and Regulation Technology under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoxiong Peng
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides and Key Lab of Functional Gene and Regulation Technology under Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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47
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Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungi: A Valuable Biological Control Tool against Plant Pests. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10010360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Among the non-chemical insect control methods, biological control is one of the most effective human and environmentally friendly alternatives. One of the main biological control methods is the application of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Today, biological crop protection with EPF plays a key role in projects for the sustainable management of insect pests. EPF have several advantages over conventional insecticides, including cost-effectiveness, high yield, absence of harmful side-effects for beneficial organisms, fewer chemical residues in the environment and increased biodiversity in ecosystems. Apart from direct application as contact bioinsecticides, EPF are able to colonize plants as endophytes acting not only as pest and disease control agents but also as plant growth promoters. The present paper presents an outline of the biocontrol potential of several EPF, which could be harnessed for the development of new integrated pest Management (IPM) strategies. Emphasis is given on benefits of endophytic EPF, on issues for practical application and in fields in need of further research. Our findings are discussed in the context of highlighting the value of entomopathogenic fungal endophytes as an integral part of pest management programs for the optimization of crop production.
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48
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Hu S, Bidochka MJ. Root colonization by endophytic insect-pathogenic fungi. J Appl Microbiol 2019; 130:570-581. [PMID: 31667953 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Several ascomycetous insect-pathogenic fungi, including species in the genera Beauveria and Metarhizium, are plant root symbionts/endophytes and are termed as endophytic insect-pathogenic fungi (EIPF). The endophytic capability and insect pathogenicity of Metarhizium are coupled to provide an active method of insect-derived nitrogen transfer to plant hosts via fungal mycelia. In exchange for the insect-derived nitrogen, the plant provides photosynthate to the fungus. This symbiotic interaction offers other benefits to the plant-EIPF can improve plant growth, they are antagonistic to plant pathogens and herbivores and can enhance the plant tolerance to abiotic stresses. The mechanisms and underlying biochemical and genetic features of insect pathogenesis are generally well-established. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the underlying mechanisms in this plant-symbiotic association. Here we review five aspects of EIPF interactions with host plant roots: (i) rhizosphere colonization, (ii) signalling factors from the plant and EIPF, (iii) modulation of plant defence responses, (iv) nutrient exchange and (v) tripartite interactions with insects and other micro-organisms. The elucidation of these interactions is fundamental to understanding this symbiotic association for effective application of EIPF in an agricultural setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
| | - M J Bidochka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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Moonjely S, Zhang X, Fang W, Bidochka MJ. Metarhizium robertsii ammonium permeases (MepC and Mep2) contribute to rhizoplane colonization and modulates the transfer of insect derived nitrogen to plants. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223718. [PMID: 31618269 PMCID: PMC6795453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endophytic insect pathogenic fungi (EIPF) Metarhizium promotes plant growth through symbiotic association and the transfer of insect-derived nitrogen. However, little is known about the genes involved in this association and the transfer of nitrogen. In this study, we assessed the involvement of six Metarhizium robertsii genes in endophytic, rhizoplane and rhizospheric colonization with barley roots. Two ammonium permeases (MepC and Mep2) and a urease, were selected since homologous genes in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were reported to play a pivotal role in nitrogen mobilization during plant root colonization. Three other genes were selected on the basis on RNA-Seq data that showed high expression levels on bean roots, and these encoded a hydrophobin (Hyd3), a subtilisin-like serine protease (Pr1A) and a hypothetical protein. The root colonization assays revealed that the deletion of urease, hydrophobin, subtilisin-like serine protease and hypothetical protein genes had no impact on endophytic, rhizoplane and rhizospheric colonization at 10 or 20 days. However, the deletion of MepC resulted in significantly increased rhizoplane colonization at 10 days whereas ΔMep2 showed increased rhizoplane colonization at 20 days. In addition, the nitrogen transporter mutants also showed significantly higher 15N incorporation of insect derived nitrogen in barley leaves in the presence of nutrients. Insect pathogenesis assay revealed that disruption of MepC, Mep2, urease did not reduce virulence toward insects. The enhanced rhizoplane colonization of ΔMep2 and ΔMepC and insect derived nitrogen transfer to plant hosts suggests the role of MepC and Mep2 in Metarhizium-plant symbiosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumya Moonjely
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON Canada
| | - Xing Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiguo Fang
- Institute of Microbiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Michael J Bidochka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON Canada
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50
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Kryukov VY, Kabilov MR, Smirnova N, Tomilova OG, Tyurin MV, Akhanaev YB, Polenogova OV, Danilov VP, Zhangissina SK, Alikina T, Yaroslavtseva ON, Glupov VV. Bacterial decomposition of insects post-Metarhizium infection: Possible influence on plant growth. Fungal Biol 2019; 123:927-935. [PMID: 31733735 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2019.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Strains of entomopathogenic fungi may have substantial differences in their final stages of mycosis. Insect cadavers are usually overgrown with mycelium after colonization of the insect body, but in many cases, bacterial decomposition of the colonized hosts occurs. We used two Metarhizium robertsii strains in the work: Mak-1 (cadavers become overgrown with mycelium and conidia) and P-72 (cadavers decay after fungal colonization). We conducted a comparative analysis of gut and cadaver microbiota in Colorado potato beetle larvae using 16S rRNA gene sequencing after infection with these strains. In addition, we estimated the content of different forms of nitrogen in cadavers and the influence of cadavers on the growth of Solanum lycopersicum on sand substrates under laboratory conditions. It was shown that infections did not lead to a significant shift in the midgut bacterial communities of infected insects compared to those of untreated insects. Importantly, bacterial communities were similar in both types of cadaver, with predominantly enterobacteria. Decomposing cadavers (P-72) were characterized by increased nitrate and ammonium, and they had a stronger growth-promoting effect on plants compared to cadavers overgrown with mycelium and conidia (Mak-1). We also estimated the colonization and growth of plants after treatment with conidia of both strains cultivated on artificial medium. Both cultures successfully colonized plants, but strain P-72 showed stronger growth promotion than Mak-1. We propose that the use of deviant strains that are unable to sporulate on cadavers leads to a faster (though only passive) flow of nitrogen from killed insects to plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Y Kryukov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str., 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Marsel R Kabilov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev av. 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Natalya Smirnova
- Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry SB RAS, Lavrentiev av. 8/2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Oksana G Tomilova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str., 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maksim V Tyurin
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str., 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yuriy B Akhanaev
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str., 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Olga V Polenogova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str., 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Viktor P Danilov
- Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-Bio Technologies (SFSCA) of the RAS, Novosibirsk Region, Krasnoobsk, PO Box 463, 630501, Russia
| | - Saule K Zhangissina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Lavrentyev av. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Tatiana Alikina
- Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry SB RAS, Lavrentiev av. 8/2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Olga N Yaroslavtseva
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str., 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Viktor V Glupov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str., 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia
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