Proteome impact on maize silks under the priming state induced by Trichoderma root colonization

Trichoderma hamatum can act as an inter-plant communicator of foliar pathogen infections by colonizing the roots of nearby plants: A new inter-plant "wired communication"

Trichoderma is a genus of filamentous fungi widely studied and used as a biological control agent in agriculture. However, its ability to form fungal networks for inter-plant communication by means of the so-called inter-plant "wired communication" has not yet been addressed. In our study we used the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the fungus Trichoderma hamatum (isolated from Brassicaceae plants) and the pathogens Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Xanthomonas campestris (necrotrophic fungus and hemibiotrophic bacteria, respectively). We performed different combinations of isolated/neighboring plants and root colonization/non-colonization by T. hamatum, as well as foliar infections with the pathogens. In this way, we were able to determine how, in the absence of T. hamatum, there is an inter-plant communication that induces systemic resistance in neighboring plants of plants infected by the pathogens. On the other hand, the plants colonized by T. hamatum roots show a greater systemic resistance against the pathogens. Regarding the role of T. hamatum as an inter-plant communicator, it is the result of an increase in foliar signaling by jasmonic acid (increased expression of LOX1 and VSP2 genes and decreased expression of ICS1 and PR-1 genes), antagonistically increasing root signaling by salicylic acid (increased expression of ICS1 and PR-1 genes and decreased expression of LOX1 and VSP2). This situation prevents root colonization by T. hamatum of the foliarly infected plant and leads to massive colonization of the neighboring plant, where jasmonic acid-mediated systemic defenses are induced.

Trichoderma as a powerful fungal disease control agent for a more sustainable and healthy agriculture: recent studies and molecular insights

Molecular studies have elucidated Trichoderma's biocontrol mechanisms. Since fungicides have limited use, Trichoderma could control disease by new metabolic routes and epigenetic alterations. Due to environmental and health hazards, agrochemicals have been a concern since they were introduced in agriculture. Trichoderma, a well-known fungal genus with different mechanisms of action, is an alternative to pesticides and a great tool to help minimize disease incidence. Trichoderma-treated plants mainly benefit from disease control and growth promotion through priming, and these fungi can modulate plants' gene expression by boosting their immune system, accelerating their response to threats, and building stress tolerance. The latest studies suggest that epigenetics is required for plant priming and could be essential for growth promotion, expanding the possibilities for producing new resistant plant varieties. Trichoderma's propagules can be mass produced and formulated depending on the delivery method. Microsclerotia-based bioproducts could be a promising way of increasing the reliability and durability of marketed products in the field, as well as help guarantee longer shelf life. Developing novel formulations and selecting efficient Trichoderma strains can be tiresome, but patent search indicates an increase in the industrialization and commercialization of technologies and an expansion of companies' involvement in research and development in this field. Although Trichoderma is considered a well-known fungal genus, it still attracts the attention of large companies, universities, and research institutes around the world.

Identification of Potential Pathways of Morella cerifera Seedlings in Response to Alkali Stress via Transcriptomic Analysis

Alkali stress, a type of abiotic stress, severely inhibits plant growth. Only a few studies have investigated the mechanism underlying the transcriptional-level response of Morella cerifera to saline-alkali stress. Based on RNA-seq technology, gene expression differences in the fibrous roots of M. cerifera seedlings exposed to low- and high-concentration alkali stress (LAS and HAS, respectively) were investigated, and the corresponding 1312 and 1532 alkali stress-responsive genes were identified, respectively. According to gene set enrichment analysis, 65 gene sets were significantly enriched. Of these, 24 gene sets were shared by both treatment groups. LAS and HAS treatment groups exhibited 9 (all downregulated) and 32 (23 downregulated) unique gene sets, respectively. The differential gene sets mainly included those involved in trehalose biosynthesis and metabolism, phospholipid translocation, and lignin catabolism. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that M. cerifera seedlings were specifically enriched in stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid, and gingerol biosynthesis; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; and sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis. Moreover, the related genes involved in hormone signaling pathways and transcription factors were determined through a localization analysis of core abiotic stress pathways. These genes and their molecular mechanisms will be the focus of future research.