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Sevillano-Caño J, García MJ, Córdoba-Galván C, Luque-Cruz C, Agustí-Brisach C, Lucena C, Ramos J, Pérez-Vicente R, Romera FJ. Exploring the Role of Debaryomyces hansenii as Biofertilizer in Iron-Deficient Environments to Enhance Plant Nutrition and Crop Production Sustainability. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5729. [PMID: 38891917 PMCID: PMC11171756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115729] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The European "Green Deal" policies are shifting toward more sustainable and environmentally conscious agricultural practices, reducing the use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides. This implies exploring alternative strategies. One promising alternative to improve plant nutrition and reinforce plant defenses is the use of beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere, such as "Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria and fungi". Despite the great abundance of iron (Fe) in the Earth's crust, its poor solubility in calcareous soil makes Fe deficiency a major agricultural issue worldwide. Among plant promoting microorganisms, the yeast Debaryomyces hansenii has been very recently incorporated, for its ability to induce morphological and physiological key responses to Fe deficiency in plants, under hydroponic culture conditions. The present work takes it a step further and explores the potential of D. hansenii to improve plant nutrition and stimulate growth in cucumber plants grown in calcareous soil, where ferric chlorosis is common. Additionally, the study examines D. hansenii's ability to induce systemic resistance (ISR) through a comparative relative expression study by qRT-PCR of ethylene (ET) biosynthesis (ACO1), or ET signaling (EIN2 and EIN3), and salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis (PAL)-related genes. The results mark a significant milestone since D. hansenii not only enhances nutrient uptake and stimulates plant growth and flower development but could also amplify induced systemic resistance (ISR). Although there is still much work ahead, these findings make D. hansenii a promising candidate to be used for sustainable and environmentally friendly integrated crop management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Sevillano-Caño
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2024, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.S.-C.); (C.C.-G.); (C.L.-C.); (C.A.-B.); (C.L.); (F.J.R.)
| | - María José García
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2024, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.S.-C.); (C.C.-G.); (C.L.-C.); (C.A.-B.); (C.L.); (F.J.R.)
| | - Clara Córdoba-Galván
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2024, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.S.-C.); (C.C.-G.); (C.L.-C.); (C.A.-B.); (C.L.); (F.J.R.)
| | - Carmen Luque-Cruz
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2024, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.S.-C.); (C.C.-G.); (C.L.-C.); (C.A.-B.); (C.L.); (F.J.R.)
| | - Carlos Agustí-Brisach
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2024, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.S.-C.); (C.C.-G.); (C.L.-C.); (C.A.-B.); (C.L.); (F.J.R.)
| | - Carlos Lucena
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2024, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.S.-C.); (C.C.-G.); (C.L.-C.); (C.A.-B.); (C.L.); (F.J.R.)
| | - José Ramos
- Departamento de Química Agrícola, Edafología y Microbiología, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Rafael Pérez-Vicente
- Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Francisco Javier Romera
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2024, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.S.-C.); (C.C.-G.); (C.L.-C.); (C.A.-B.); (C.L.); (F.J.R.)
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Núñez-Cano J, Romera FJ, Prieto P, García MJ, Sevillano-Caño J, Agustí-Brisach C, Pérez-Vicente R, Ramos J, Lucena C. Effect of the Nonpathogenic Strain Fusarium oxysporum FO12 on Fe Acquisition in Rice ( Oryza sativa L.) Plants. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3145. [PMID: 37687390 PMCID: PMC10489696 DOI: 10.3390/plants12173145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a very important cereal worldwide, since it is the staple food for more than half of the world's population. Iron (Fe) deficiency is among the most important agronomical concerns in calcareous soils where rice plants may suffer from this deficiency. Current production systems are based on the use of high-yielding varieties and the application of large quantities of agrochemicals, which can cause major environmental problems. The use of beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms is considered a relevant sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers. The main goal of this study was to determine the ability of the nonpathogenic strain Fusarium oxysporum FO12 to induce Fe-deficiency responses in rice plants and its effects on plant growth and Fe chlorosis. Experiments were carried out under hydroponic system conditions. Our results show that the root inoculation of rice plants with FO12 promotes the production of phytosiderophores and plant growth while reducing Fe chlorosis symptoms after several days of cultivation. Moreover, Fe-related genes are upregulated by FO12 at certain times in inoculated plants regardless of Fe conditions. This microorganism also colonizes root cortical tissues. In conclusion, FO12 enhances Fe-deficiency responses in rice plants, achieves growth promotion, and reduces Fe chlorosis symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Núñez-Cano
- Departamento de Agronomía (Unit of Excellence ‘María de Maeztu’ 2020-24), Edificio Celestino Mutis (C-4), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.N.-C.); (F.J.R.); (M.J.G.); (J.S.-C.); (C.A.-B.)
| | - Francisco J. Romera
- Departamento de Agronomía (Unit of Excellence ‘María de Maeztu’ 2020-24), Edificio Celestino Mutis (C-4), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.N.-C.); (F.J.R.); (M.J.G.); (J.S.-C.); (C.A.-B.)
| | - Pilar Prieto
- Departamento de Mejora Genética, Instituto de Agricultura Sostenible (IAS), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - María J. García
- Departamento de Agronomía (Unit of Excellence ‘María de Maeztu’ 2020-24), Edificio Celestino Mutis (C-4), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.N.-C.); (F.J.R.); (M.J.G.); (J.S.-C.); (C.A.-B.)
| | - Jesús Sevillano-Caño
- Departamento de Agronomía (Unit of Excellence ‘María de Maeztu’ 2020-24), Edificio Celestino Mutis (C-4), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.N.-C.); (F.J.R.); (M.J.G.); (J.S.-C.); (C.A.-B.)
| | - Carlos Agustí-Brisach
- Departamento de Agronomía (Unit of Excellence ‘María de Maeztu’ 2020-24), Edificio Celestino Mutis (C-4), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.N.-C.); (F.J.R.); (M.J.G.); (J.S.-C.); (C.A.-B.)
| | - Rafael Pérez-Vicente
- Departamento de Botánica, Ecología y Fisiología Vegetal, Edificio Celestino Mutis (C-4), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - José Ramos
- Departamento de Química Agrícola, Edafología y Microbiología, Edificio Severo Ochoa (C-6), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain;
| | - Carlos Lucena
- Departamento de Agronomía (Unit of Excellence ‘María de Maeztu’ 2020-24), Edificio Celestino Mutis (C-4), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario de Rabanales (ceiA3), Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (J.N.-C.); (F.J.R.); (M.J.G.); (J.S.-C.); (C.A.-B.)
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García-Espinoza F, García MJ, Quesada-Moraga E, Yousef-Yousef M. Entomopathogenic Fungus-Related Priming Defense Mechanisms in Cucurbits Impact Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) Fitness. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0094023. [PMID: 37439674 PMCID: PMC10467339 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00940-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) exhibit direct and indirect mechanisms to increase plant resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. Plant responses to these stresses are interconnected by common regulators such as ethylene (ET), which is involved in both iron (Fe) deficiency and induced systemic resistance responses. In this work, the roots of cucurbit seedlings were primed with Metarhizium brunneum (EAMa 01/58-Su strain), and relative expression levels of 18 genes related to ethylene (ET), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) synthesis, as well as pathogen-related (PR) protein genes, were studied by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Effects of priming on Spodoptera littoralis were studied by feeding larvae for 15 days with primed and control plants. Genes showed upregulation in studied species; however, the highest relative expression was observed in roots and shoots of plants with Fe deficiency, demonstrating the complexity and the overlapping degree of the regulatory network. EIN2 and EIN3 should be highlighted; both are key genes of the ET transduction pathway that enhanced their expression levels up to eight and four times, respectively, in shoots of primed cucumber. Also, JA and SA synthesis and PR genes showed significant upregulation during the observation period (e.g., the JA gene LOX1 increased 506 times). Survival and fitness of S. littoralis were affected with significant effects on mortality of larvae fed on primed plants versus controls, length of the larval stage, pupal weight, and the percentage of abnormal pupae. These results highlight the role of the EAMa 01/58-Su strain in the induction of resistance, which could be translated into direct benefits for plant development. IMPORTANCE Entomopathogenic fungi are multipurpose microorganisms with direct and indirect effects on insect pests. Also, EPF provide multiple benefits to plants by solubilizing minerals and facilitating nutrient acquisition. A very interesting and novel effect of these fungi is the enhancement of plant defense systems by inducing systematic and acquired resistance. However, little is known about this function. This study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms involved in cucurbits plants' defense activation after being primed by the EPF M. brunneum. Furthermore, the subsequent effects on the fitness of the lepidopteran pest S. littoralis are shown. In this regard, a significant upregulation was recorded for the genes that regulate JA, SA, and ET pathways. This increased expression of defense genes caused lethal and sublethal effects on S. littoralis. This could be considered an added value for the implementation of EPF in integrated pest management programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. García-Espinoza
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2023, Campus de Rabanales, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Parasitología. Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro – Unidad Laguna, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - M. J. García
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2023, Campus de Rabanales, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - E. Quesada-Moraga
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2023, Campus de Rabanales, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - M. Yousef-Yousef
- Departamento de Agronomía (DAUCO) María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2023, Campus de Rabanales, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
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Romera FJ, García MJ, Lucena C, Angulo M, Pérez-Vicente R. NO Is Not the Same as GSNO in the Regulation of Fe Deficiency Responses by Dicot Plants. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12617. [PMID: 37628796 PMCID: PMC10454737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612617] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron (Fe) is abundant in soils but with a poor availability for plants, especially in calcareous soils. To favor its acquisition, plants develop morphological and physiological responses, mainly in their roots, known as Fe deficiency responses. In dicot plants, the regulation of these responses is not totally known, but some hormones and signaling molecules, such as auxin, ethylene, glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO) and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), have been involved in their activation. Most of these substances, including auxin, ethylene, GSH and NO, increase their production in Fe-deficient roots while GSNO, derived from GSH and NO, decreases its content. This paradoxical result could be explained with the increased expression and activity in Fe-deficient roots of the GSNO reductase (GSNOR) enzyme, which decomposes GSNO to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and NH3. The fact that NO content increases while GSNO decreases in Fe-deficient roots suggests that NO and GSNO do not play the same role in the regulation of Fe deficiency responses. This review is an update of the results supporting a role for NO, GSNO and GSNOR in the regulation of Fe deficiency responses. The possible roles of NO and GSNO are discussed by taking into account their mode of action through post-translational modifications, such as S-nitrosylation, and through their interactions with the hormones auxin and ethylene, directly related to the activation of morphological and physiological responses to Fe deficiency in dicot plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Romera
- Department of Agronomy (DAUCO María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2023), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (F.J.R.); (M.A.)
| | - María José García
- Department of Agronomy (DAUCO María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2023), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (F.J.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Carlos Lucena
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (C.L.); (R.P.-V.)
| | - Macarena Angulo
- Department of Agronomy (DAUCO María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence 2021–2023), Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (F.J.R.); (M.A.)
| | - Rafael Pérez-Vicente
- Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (C.L.); (R.P.-V.)
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Entomopathogenic Fungi-Mediated Solubilization and Induction of Fe Related Genes in Melon and Cucumber Plants. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020258. [PMID: 36836372 PMCID: PMC9960893 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020258] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Endophytic insect pathogenic fungi have a multifunctional lifestyle; in addition to its well-known function as biocontrol agents, it may also help plants respond to other biotic and abiotic stresses, such as iron (Fe) deficiency. This study explores M. brunneum EAMa 01/58-Su strain attributes for Fe acquisition. Firstly, direct attributes include siderophore exudation (in vitro assay) and Fe content in shoots and in the substrate (in vivo assay) were evaluated for three strains of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium bruneum. The M. brunneum EAMa 01/58-Su strain showed a great ability to exudate iron siderophores (58.4% surface siderophores exudation) and provided higher Fe content in both dry matter and substrate compared to the control and was therefore selected for further research to unravel the possible induction of Fe deficiency responses, Ferric Reductase Activity (FRA), and relative expression of Fe acquisition genes by qRT-PCR in melon and cucumber plants.. In addition, root priming by M. brunneum EAMa 01/58-Su strain elicited Fe deficiency responses at transcriptional level. Our results show an early up-regulation (24, 48 or 72 h post inoculation) of the Fe acquisition genes FRO1, FRO2, IRT1, HA1, and FIT as well as the FRA. These results highlight the mechanisms involved in the Fe acquisition as mediated by IPF M. brunneum EAMa 01/58-Su strain.
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