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Mwangi NG, Stevens M, Wright AJD, Edwards SG, Hare MC, Back MA. Grass-Endophyte Interactions and Their Associated Alkaloids as a Potential Management Strategy for Plant Parasitic Nematodes. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:274. [PMID: 38922168 PMCID: PMC11209465 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060274] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Claviceptaceous endophytic fungi in the genus Epichloë mostly form a symbiotic relationship with cool-season grasses. Epichloë spp. are capable of producing bioactive alkaloids such as peramines, lolines, ergot alkaloids, and indole-diterpenes, which protect the host plant from herbivory by animals, insects, and nematodes. The host also benefits from enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as salt, drought, waterlogging, cold, heavy metals, and low nitrogen stress. The bioactive alkaloids produced can have both direct and indirect effects towards plant parasitic nematodes. Direct interaction with nematodes' motile stages can cause paralysis (nematostatic effect) or death (nematicidal effect). Indirectly, the metabolites may induce host immunity which inhibits feeding and subsequent nematode development. This review highlights the different mechanisms through which this interaction and the metabolites produced have been explored in the suppression of plant parasitic nematodes and also how the specific interactions between different grass genotypes and endophyte strains result in variable suppression of different nematode species. An understanding of the different grass-endophyte interactions and their successes and failures in suppressing various nematode species is essential to enable the proper selection of grass-endophyte combinations to identify the alkaloids produced, concentrations required, and determine which nematodes are sensitive to which specific alkaloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyambura G. Mwangi
- Agriculture and Environment Department, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK; (S.G.E.); (M.C.H.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Mark Stevens
- British Beet Research Organisation, Centrum, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UG, UK; (M.S.); (A.J.D.W.)
| | - Alistair J. D. Wright
- British Beet Research Organisation, Centrum, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UG, UK; (M.S.); (A.J.D.W.)
| | - Simon G. Edwards
- Agriculture and Environment Department, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK; (S.G.E.); (M.C.H.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Martin C. Hare
- Agriculture and Environment Department, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK; (S.G.E.); (M.C.H.); (M.A.B.)
| | - Matthew A. Back
- Agriculture and Environment Department, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK; (S.G.E.); (M.C.H.); (M.A.B.)
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Chacón-Fuentes M, Martínez-Cisterna D, Vera W, Ortega-Klose F, Reyes C, Matamala I, Quiroz A, Bardehle L. Feeding Performance of Argentine Stem Weevil Is Reduced by Peramine from Perennial Ryegrass Infected with Endophyte Fungus. INSECTS 2024; 15:410. [PMID: 38921125 PMCID: PMC11203911 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
One of the primary supports for extensive agriculture is pasture, which can suffer severe damage from insects including the Argentine stem weevil, Listronotus bonariensis. The main control method has been the infection of ryegrass with an endophyte fungus, forming a symbiotic association that produces alkaloids. In this study, we evaluated the impact of endophyte and peramine production on the weight of L. bonariensis across seven unnamed lines (LE161-LE167), and two Lolium perenne cultivars: Jumbo and Alto AR1. L. bonariensis adults fed on leaves from LE164, LE166, and ALTO AR1 showed weight losses of 13.3%, 17.1% and 18.2%, respectively. Similarly, the corresponding alkaloidal extract from LE164, LE166, and ALTO AR1 exhibited an antifeedant effect on L. bonariensis adults in laboratory assays, as observed through weight loss or low weight gain (-12.5%, 8.8% and 4.9%, respectively). Furthermore, one alkaloid, peramine, also elicited an antifeedant effect when incorporated into an artificial diet. Liquid chromatographic analysis of the alkaloid extract revealed that peramine was present in LE164, LE166 and ALTO AR1 in amounts ranging from 46.5-184.2 ng/g. Peramine was not detected in Jumbo and the remaining experimental lines. These data suggest that L. bonariensis were susceptible to peramine produced from endophyte infection in experimental lines LE164 and LE166, as well as ALTO AR1, affecting their feeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Martínez-Cisterna
- Laboratorio de Química Ecológica, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145, Casilla 54-D, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente (CIBAMA), Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145, Casilla 54-D, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Waleska Vera
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
- Centro de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación de Productos Bioactivos, CInBIO, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Av. Gran Bretaña 1095, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Fernando Ortega-Klose
- Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA Carillanca, km 10 Camino Cajón-Vilcún, s/n, P.O. Box 58-D, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Claudio Reyes
- Carrera de Biotecnología, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Ignacio Matamala
- Departamento de Producción Agropecuaria, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145, Casilla 54-D, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Andrés Quiroz
- Laboratorio de Química Ecológica, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145, Casilla 54-D, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente (CIBAMA), Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145, Casilla 54-D, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Leonardo Bardehle
- Laboratorio de Química Ecológica, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145, Casilla 54-D, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente (CIBAMA), Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145, Casilla 54-D, Temuco 4811230, Chile
- Departamento de Producción Agropecuaria, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Francisco Salazar 01145, Casilla 54-D, Temuco 4811230, Chile
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Realini FM, Escobedo VM, Ueno AC, Bastías DA, Schardl CL, Biganzoli F, Gundel PE. Anti-herbivory defences delivered by Epichloë fungal endophytes: a quantitative review of alkaloid concentration variation among hosts and plant parts. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 133:509-520. [PMID: 38320313 PMCID: PMC11037487 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In the subfamily Poöideae (Poaceae), certain grass species possess anti-herbivore alkaloids synthesized by fungal endophytes that belong to the genus Epichloë (Clavicipitaceae). The protective role of these symbiotic endophytes can vary, depending on alkaloid concentrations within specific plant-endophyte associations and plant parts. METHODS We conducted a literature review to identify articles containing alkaloid concentration data for various plant parts in six important pasture species, Lolium arundinaceum, Lolium perenne, Lolium pratense, Lolium multiflorum|Lolium rigidum and Festuca rubra, associated with their common endophytes. We considered the alkaloids lolines (1-aminopyrrolizidines), peramine (pyrrolopyrazines), ergovaline (ergot alkaloids) and lolitrem B (indole-diterpenes). While all these alkaloids have shown bioactivity against insect herbivores, ergovaline and lolitrem B are harmful for mammals. KEY RESULTS Loline alkaloid levels were higher in the perennial grasses L. pratense and L. arundinaceum compared to the annual species L. multiflorum and L. rigidum, and higher in reproductive tissues than in vegetative structures. This is probably due to the greater biomass accumulation in perennial species that can result in higher endophyte mycelial biomass. Peramine concentrations were higher in L. perenne than in L. arundinaceum and not affected by plant part. This can be attributed to the high within-plant mobility of peramine. Ergovaline and lolitrem B, both hydrophobic compounds, were associated with plant parts where fungal mycelium is usually present, and their concentrations were higher in plant reproductive tissues. Only loline alkaloid data were sufficient for below-ground tissue analyses and concentrations were lower than in above-ground parts. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides a comprehensive synthesis of fungal alkaloid variation across host grasses and plant parts, essential for understanding the endophyte-conferred defence extent. The patterns can be understood by considering endophyte growth within the plant and alkaloid mobility. Our study identifies research gaps, including the limited documentation of alkaloid presence in roots and the need to investigate the influence of different environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia M Realini
- IFEVA, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Laboratorio de Citogenética y Evolución (LaCyE), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (IEGEBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Víctor M Escobedo
- Instituto de Investigación Interdisciplinaria (I3), Universidad de Talca, Campus Talca, Chile
- Centro de Ecología Integrativa, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Andrea C Ueno
- IFEVA, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigación Interdisciplinaria (I3), Universidad de Talca, Campus Talca, Chile
- Centro de Ecología Integrativa, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Daniel A Bastías
- AgResearch Limited, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | | | - Fernando Biganzoli
- Departamento de Métodos Cuantitativos y Sistemas de Información, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pedro E Gundel
- IFEVA, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Ecología Integrativa, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
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Christian N, Perlin MH. Plant-endophyte communication: Scaling from molecular mechanisms to ecological outcomes. Mycologia 2024; 116:227-250. [PMID: 38380970 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2023.2299658] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Diverse communities of fungal endophytes reside in plant tissues, where they affect and are affected by plant physiology and ecology. For these intimate interactions to form and persist, endophytes and their host plants engage in intricate systems of communication. The conversation between fungal endophytes and plant hosts ultimately dictates endophyte community composition and function and has cascading effects on plant health and plant interactions. In this review, we synthesize our current knowledge on the mechanisms and strategies of communication used by endophytic fungi and their plant hosts. We discuss the molecular mechanisms of communication that lead to organ specificity of endophytic communities and distinguish endophytes, pathogens, and saprotrophs. We conclude by offering emerging perspectives on the relevance of plant-endophyte communication to microbial community ecology and plant health and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Christian
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292
| | - Michael H Perlin
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292
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Choudhary N, Dhingra N, Gacem A, Yadav VK, Verma RK, Choudhary M, Bhardwaj U, Chundawat RS, Alqahtani MS, Gaur RK, Eltayeb LB, Al Abdulmonem W, Jeon BH. Towards further understanding the applications of endophytes: enriched source of bioactive compounds and bio factories for nanoparticles. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1193573. [PMID: 37492778 PMCID: PMC10364642 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1193573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The most significant issues that humans face today include a growing population, an altering climate, an growing reliance on pesticides, the appearance of novel infectious agents, and an accumulation of industrial waste. The production of agricultural goods has also been subject to a great number of significant shifts, often known as agricultural revolutions, which have been influenced by the progression of civilization, technology, and general human advancement. Sustainable measures that can be applied in agriculture, the environment, medicine, and industry are needed to lessen the harmful effects of the aforementioned problems. Endophytes, which might be bacterial or fungal, could be a successful solution. They protect plants and promote growth by producing phytohormones and by providing biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Endophytes produce the diverse type of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, quinones, chinones, phenolic acids etc. and are known for various therapeutic advantages such as anticancer, antitumor, antidiabetic, antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant activity. Proteases, pectinases, amylases, cellulases, xylanases, laccases, lipases, and other types of enzymes that are vital for many different industries can also be produced by endophytes. Due to the presence of all these bioactive compounds in endophytes, they have preferred sources for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. This review aims to comprehend the contributions and uses of endophytes in agriculture, medicinal, industrial sectors and bio-nanotechnology with their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Choudhary
- Dept of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Sikar, Rajasthan, India
| | - Naveen Dhingra
- Department of Agriculture, Medi-Caps University, Pigdamber Road, Rau, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Amel Gacem
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University 20 Août 1955, Skikda, Algeria
| | - Virendra Kumar Yadav
- Dept of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Sikar, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Verma
- Dept of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Sikar, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mahima Choudhary
- Dept of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Sikar, Rajasthan, India
| | - Uma Bhardwaj
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida International University, Noida, U.P., India
| | - Rajendra Singh Chundawat
- Dept of Biosciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Sikar, Rajasthan, India
| | - Mohammed S. Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Rajarshi Kumar Gaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (D.D.U.) Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Lienda Bashier Eltayeb
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin AbdulAziz University- Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Byong-Hun Jeon
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Qiao L, Liu J, Zhou Z, Li Z, Zhou Y, Xu S, Yang Z, Qu J, Zou X. Positive effects of Cordyceps cateniannulata colonization in tobacco: Growth promotion and resistance to abiotic stress. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1131184. [PMID: 37125180 PMCID: PMC10140308 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1131184] [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: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Entomopathogenic fungi can live in insects to cause disease and death and are the largest group of entomopathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, these fungi are best known for their microbial control potential. Importantly, they also have other beneficial effects, including promoting plant growth and development by colonizing plant. Here, the study sought to identify specific strains of the entomopathogenic fungus, Cordyceps cateniannulata that would form endophytic associations with tobacco, thus benefiting plant growth and resistance to abiotic stresses, thereby highlighting the application of entomopathogenic fungi in tobacco. Methods The C. cateniannulata-tobacco symbiont was constructed by root irrigation. The effects of C. cateniannulata on tobacco growth were evaluated by measuring the maximum leaf length, maximum leaf width, number of leaves, plant height, stem thickness, stem circumference, dry and fresh shoot weight 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after colonization. The peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde were measured to observe the impact of C. cateniannulata on tobacco defense enzyme activity. Finally, high-throughput sequencing was used to access microbial communities in the rhizosphere, with data subsequently linked to growth indicators. Results After tobacco was inoculated with C. cateniannulata X8, which significantly promoted growth and related enzyme activity, malondialdehyde was decreased. The most significant impact was on peroxidase, with its activity being upregulated by 98.20, 154.42, 180.65, and 170.38% in the four time periods, respectively. The high throughput sequencing results indicated that C. cateniannulata had changed the rhizosphere microbial relative abundances, such as increasing Acidobacteria and Ascomycetes, and decreasing Actinomycetes and Basidiomycetes. The redundancy analysis showed that C. cateniannulata significantly boosted tobacco growth by reducing the abundance of specific dominant genera such as Stachybotrys, Cephalotrichum, Streptomyces, Isoptericola, and Microbacterium. Conclusion Specific strains of C. cateniannulata can be introduced into host plants as endophytes, resulting in promotion of host plant growth and increased resistance to abiotic stress and microbial pathogens. The study provides a foundation for future studies of C. cateniannulata as an ecological agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Qiao
- Institute of Fungus Resources, College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Zunyi Tobacco Company of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, China
| | | | - Zhimo Li
- Zunyi Tobacco Company of Guizhou Province, Zunyi, China
| | - Yeming Zhou
- Institute of Fungus Resources, College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shaohuan Xu
- Institute of Fungus Resources, College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhengkai Yang
- College of Tea Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiaojiao Qu
- College of Tea Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiao Zou
- Institute of Fungus Resources, College of Life Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Bastías DA, Ueno AC, Gundel PE. Global Change Factors Influence Plant-Epichloë Associations. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9040446. [PMID: 37108902 PMCID: PMC10145611 DOI: 10.3390/jof9040446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in determining the influence of global change on plant–microorganism interactions. We review the results of experiments that evaluated the effects of the global change factors carbon dioxide, ozone, temperature, drought, flooding, and salinity on plant symbioses with beneficial Epichloë endophytes. The factors affected the performance of both plants and endophytes as well as the frequency of plants symbiotic with the fungus. Elevated carbon dioxide levels and low temperatures differentially influenced the growth of plants and endophytes, which could compromise the symbioses. Furthermore, we summarise the plant stage in which the effects of the factors were quantified (vegetative, reproductive, or progeny). The factors ozone and drought were studied at all plant stages, but flooding and carbon dioxide were studied in just a few of them. While only studied in response to ozone and drought, evidence showed that the effects of these factors on symbiotic plants persisted trans-generationally. We also identified the putative mechanisms that would explain the effects of the factors on plant–endophyte associations. These mechanisms included the increased contents of reactive oxygen species and defence-related phytohormones, reduced photosynthesis, and altered levels of plant primary metabolites. Finally, we describe the counteracting mechanisms by which endophytes would mitigate the detrimental effects of the factors on plants. In presence of the factors, endophytes increased the contents of antioxidants, reduced the levels of defence-related phytohormones, and enhanced the plant uptake of nutrients and photosynthesis levels. Knowledge gaps regarding the effects of global change on plant–endophyte associations were identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Bastías
- AgResearch Limited, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - Andrea C. Ueno
- Centro de Ecología Integrativa, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3480094, Chile
- Instituto de Investigación Interdisciplinaria (I3), Universidad de Talca, Campus Talca, Talca 3480094, Chile
| | - Pedro E. Gundel
- Centro de Ecología Integrativa, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3480094, Chile
- Facultad de Agronomía, IFEVA, CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
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Epichloë Endophytes Shape the Foliar Endophytic Fungal Microbiome and Alter the Auxin and Salicylic Acid Phytohormone Levels in Two Meadow Fescue Cultivars. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9010090. [PMID: 36675911 PMCID: PMC9861471 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010090] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants harbor a large diversity of endophytic microbes. Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) is a cool-season grass known for its symbiotic relationship with the systemic and vertically-via seeds-transmitted fungal endophyte Epichloë uncinata, yet its effects on plant hormones and the microbial community is largely unexplored. Here, we sequenced the endophytic bacterial and fungal communities in the leaves and roots, analyzing phytohormone concentrations and plant performance parameters in Epichloë-symbiotic (E+) and Epichloë-free (E-) individuals of two meadow fescue cultivars. The endophytic microbial community differed between leaf and root tissues independent of Epichloë symbiosis, while the fungal community was different in the leaves of Epichloë-symbiotic and Epichloë-free plants in both cultivars. At the same time, Epichloë symbiosis decreased salicylic acid and increased auxin concentrations in leaves. Epichloë-symbiotic plants showed higher biomass and higher seed mass at the end of the season. Our results demonstrate that Epichloë symbiosis alters the leaf fungal microbiota, which coincides with changes in phytohormone concentrations, indicating that Epichloë endophytes affect both plant immune responses and other fungal endophytes. Whether the effect of Epichloë endophytes on other fungal endophytes is connected to changes in phytohormone concentrations remains to be elucidated.
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9
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Bastías DA, Balestrini R, Pollmann S, Gundel PE. Environmental interference of plant-microbe interactions. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2022; 45:3387-3398. [PMID: 36180415 PMCID: PMC9828629 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Environmental stresses can compromise the interactions of plants with beneficial microbes. In the present review, experimental results showing that stresses negatively affect the abundance and/or functionality of plant beneficial microbes are summarized. It is proposed that the environmental interference of these plant-microbe interactions is explained by the stress-mediated induction of plant signalling pathways associated with defence hormones and reactive oxygen species. These plant responses are recognized to regulate beneficial microbes within plants. The direct negative effect of stresses on microbes may also contribute to the environmental regulation of these plant mutualisms. It is also posited that, in stress situations, beneficial microbes harbour mechanisms that contribute to maintain the mutualistic associations. Beneficial microbes produce effector proteins and increase the antioxidant levels in plants that counteract the detrimental effects of plant stress responses on them. In addition, they deliver specific stress-protective mechanisms that assist to their plant hosts to mitigate the negative effects of stresses. Our study contributes to understanding how environmental stresses affect plant-microbe interactions and highlights why beneficial microbes can still deliver benefits to plants in stressful environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Bastías
- AgResearch LimitedGrasslands Research CentrePalmerston NorthNew Zealand
| | | | - Stephan Pollmann
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)–Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentación (INIA/CSIC)Campus de MontegancedoMadridSpain
- Departamento de Biotecnología‐Biología Vegetal, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de BiosistemasUniversidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)MadridSpain
| | - Pedro E. Gundel
- IFEVA, CONICET, Universidad de Buenos AiresFacultad de AgronomíaBuenos AiresArgentina
- Centro de Ecología Integrativa, Instituto de Ciencias BiológicasUniversidad de TalcaTalcaChile
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Epichloë Increases Root Fungal Endophyte Richness and Alters Root Fungal Endophyte Composition in a Changing World. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8111142. [DOI: 10.3390/jof8111142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants harbor a variety of fungal symbionts both above- and belowground, yet little is known about how these fungi interact within hosts, especially in a world where resource availability is changing due to human activities. Systemic vertically transmitted endophytes such as Epichloë spp. may have particularly strong effects on the diversity and composition of later-colonizing symbionts such as root fungal endophytes, especially in primary successional systems. We made use of a long-term field experiment in Great Lakes sand dunes to test whether Epichloë colonization of the dune-building grass, Ammophila breviligulata, could alter fungal root endophyte species richness or community composition in host plants. We also tested whether nitrogen addition intensified the effects of Epichlöe on the root endophyte community. We found that Epichloë increased richness of root endophytes in Ammophila by 17% overall, but only shifted community composition of root endophytes under nitrogen-enriched conditions. These results indicate that Epichlöe acts as a key species within Ammophila, changing richness and composition of the root mycobiome and integrating above- and belowground mycobiome interactions. Further, effects of Epichloë on root endophyte communities were enhanced by N addition, indicating that this fungal species may become even more important in future environments.
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Fardella PA, Tian Z, Clarke BB, Belanger FC. The Epichloë festucae Antifungal Protein Efe-AfpA Protects Creeping Bentgrass ( Agrostis stolonifera) from the Plant Pathogen Clarireedia jacksonii, the Causal Agent of Dollar Spot Disease. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101097. [PMID: 36294663 PMCID: PMC9605492 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dollar spot disease, caused by the fungal pathogen Clarireedia jacksonii, is a major problem in many turfgrass species, particularly creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). It is well-established that strong creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. rubra) exhibits good dollar spot resistance when infected by the fungal endophyte Epichloë festucae. This endophyte-mediated disease resistance is unique to the fine fescues and has not been observed in other grass species infected with other Epichloë spp. The mechanism underlying the unique endophyte-mediated disease resistance in strong creeping red fescue has not yet been established. We pursued the possibility that it may be due to the presence of an abundant secreted antifungal protein produced by E. festucae. Here, we compare the activity of the antifungal protein expressed in Escherichia coli, Pichia pastoris, and Penicillium chrysogenum. Active protein was recovered from all systems, with the best activity being from Pe. chrysogenum. In greenhouse assays, topical application of the purified antifungal protein to creeping bentgrass and endophyte-free strong creeping red fescue protected the plants from developing severe symptoms caused by C. jacksonii. These results support the hypothesis that Efe-AfpA is a major contributor to the dollar spot resistance observed with E. festucae-infected strong creeping red fescue in the field, and that this protein could be developed as an alternative or complement to fungicides for the management of this disease on turfgrasses.
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Dale JCM, Newman JA. A First Draft of the Core Fungal Microbiome of Schedonorus arundinaceus with and without Its Fungal Mutualist Epichloë coenophiala. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:jof8101026. [PMID: 36294590 PMCID: PMC9605371 DOI: 10.3390/jof8101026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) is a cool-season grass which is commonly infected with the fungal endophyte Epichloë coenophiala. Although the relationship between tall fescue and E. coenophiala is well-studied, less is known about its broader fungal communities. We used next-generation sequencing of the ITS2 region to describe the complete foliar fungal microbiomes in a set of field-grown tall fescue plants over two years, and whether these fungal communities were affected by the presence of Epichloë. We used the Georgia 5 cultivar of tall fescue, grown in the field for six years prior to sampling. Plants were either uninfected with E. coenophiala, or they were infected with one of two E. coenophiala strains: The common toxic strain or the AR542 strain (sold commerically as MaxQ). We observed 3487 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) across all plants and identified 43 ASVs which may make up a potential core microbiome. Fungal communities did not differ strongly between Epichloë treatments, but did show a great deal of variation between the two years. Plant fitness also changed over time but was not influenced by E. coenophiala infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna C. M. Dale
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Correspondence:
| | - Jonathan A. Newman
- Department of Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON N2L 3C5, Canada
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Bouguettaya A, Zarzour H, Kechida A, Taberkit AM. A survey on deep learning-based identification of plant and crop diseases from UAV-based aerial images. CLUSTER COMPUTING 2022; 26:1297-1317. [PMID: 35968221 PMCID: PMC9362359 DOI: 10.1007/s10586-022-03627-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The agricultural crop productivity can be affected and reduced due to many factors such as weeds, pests, and diseases. Traditional methods that are based on terrestrial engines, devices, and farmers' naked eyes are facing many limitations in terms of accuracy and the required time to cover large fields. Currently, precision agriculture that is based on the use of deep learning algorithms and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provides an effective solution to achieve agriculture applications, including plant disease identification and treatment. In the last few years, plant disease monitoring using UAV platforms is one of the most important agriculture applications that have gained increasing interest by researchers. Accurate detection and treatment of plant diseases at early stages is crucial to improving agricultural production. To this end, in this review, we analyze the recent advances in the use of computer vision techniques that are based on deep learning algorithms and UAV technologies to identify and treat crop diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelmalek Bouguettaya
- Research Centre in Industrial Technologies (CRTI), P.O. Box 64, Cheraga, 16014 Algiers, Algeria
| | - Hafed Zarzour
- LIM Research, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Souk Ahras University, 41000 Souk Ahras, Algeria
| | - Ahmed Kechida
- Research Centre in Industrial Technologies (CRTI), P.O. Box 64, Cheraga, 16014 Algiers, Algeria
| | - Amine Mohammed Taberkit
- Research Centre in Industrial Technologies (CRTI), P.O. Box 64, Cheraga, 16014 Algiers, Algeria
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O’Keeffe KR, Wheeler BT, Mitchell CE. A Microbial Mutualist Within Host Individuals Increases Parasite Transmission Between Host Individuals: Evidence From a Field Mesocosm Experiment. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:824211. [PMID: 35531289 PMCID: PMC9069011 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.824211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The interactions among host-associated microbes and parasites can have clear consequences for disease susceptibility and progression within host individuals. Yet, empirical evidence for how these interactions impact parasite transmission between host individuals remains scarce. We address this scarcity by using a field mesocosm experiment to investigate the interaction between a systemic fungal endophyte, Epichloë coenophiala, and a fungal parasite, Rhizoctonia solani, in leaves of a grass host, tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum). Specifically, we investigated how this interaction impacted transmission of the parasite under field conditions in replicated experimental host populations. Epichloë-inoculated populations tended to have greater disease prevalence over time, though this difference had weak statistical support. More clearly, Epichloë-inoculated populations experienced higher peak parasite prevalences than Epichloë-free populations. Epichloë conferred a benefit in growth; Epichloë-inoculated populations had greater aboveground biomass than Epichloë-free populations. Using biomass as a proxy, host density was correlated with peak parasite prevalence, but Epichloë still increased peak parasite prevalence after controlling for the effect of biomass. Together, these results suggest that within-host microbial interactions can impact disease at the population level. Further, while Epichloë is clearly a mutualist of tall fescue, it may not be a defensive mutualist in relation to Rhizoctonia solani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayleigh R. O’Keeffe
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kayleigh R. O’Keeffe,
| | - Brandon T. Wheeler
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Biology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, United States
| | - Charles E. Mitchell
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Environment, Ecology and Energy Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Fernando K, Reddy P, Spangenberg GC, Rochfort SJ, Guthridge KM. Metabolic Potential of Epichloë Endophytes for Host Grass Fungal Disease Resistance. Microorganisms 2021; 10:64. [PMID: 35056512 PMCID: PMC8781568 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010064] [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: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Asexual species of the genus Epichloë (Clavicipitaceae, Ascomycota) form endosymbiotic associations with Pooidae grasses. This association is important both ecologically and to the pasture and turf industries, as the endophytic fungi confer a multitude of benefits to their host plant that improve competitive ability and performance such as growth promotion, abiotic stress tolerance, pest deterrence and increased host disease resistance. Biotic stress tolerance conferred by the production of bioprotective metabolites has a critical role in an industry context. While the known antimammalian and insecticidal toxins are well characterized due to their impact on livestock welfare, antimicrobial metabolites are less studied. Both pasture and turf grasses are challenged by many phytopathogenic diseases that result in significant economic losses and impact livestock health. Further investigations of Epichloë endophytes as natural biocontrol agents can be conducted on strains that are safe for animals. With the additional benefits of possessing host disease resistance, these strains would increase their commercial importance. Field reports have indicated that pasture grasses associated with Epichloë endophytes are superior in resisting fungal pathogens. However, only a few antifungal compounds have been identified and chemically characterized, and these from sexual (pathogenic) Epichloë species, rather than those utilized to enhance performance in turf and pasture industries. This review provides insight into the various strategies reported in identifying antifungal activity from Epichloë endophytes and, where described, the associated antifungal metabolites responsible for the activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishni Fernando
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (K.F.); (P.R.); (G.C.S.); (S.J.R.)
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Priyanka Reddy
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (K.F.); (P.R.); (G.C.S.); (S.J.R.)
| | - German C. Spangenberg
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (K.F.); (P.R.); (G.C.S.); (S.J.R.)
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Simone J. Rochfort
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (K.F.); (P.R.); (G.C.S.); (S.J.R.)
- School of Applied Systems Biology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Kathryn M. Guthridge
- Agriculture Victoria, AgriBio, Centre for AgriBioscience, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; (K.F.); (P.R.); (G.C.S.); (S.J.R.)
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Rodrigo S, García-Latorre C, Santamaria O. Metabolites Produced by Fungi against Fungal Phytopathogens: Review, Implementation and Perspectives. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:81. [PMID: 35009084 PMCID: PMC8747711 DOI: 10.3390/plants11010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Many fungi, especially endophytes, have been found to produce multiple benefits in their plant hosts, with many of these benefits associated with the protection of plants against fungal diseases. This fact could be used in the development of new bio-products that could gradually reduce the need for chemical fungicides, which have been associated with multiple health and environmental problems. However, the utilization of the living organism may present several issues, such as an inconsistency in the results obtained and more complicated management and application, as fungal species are highly influenced by environmental conditions, the type of relationship with the plant host and interaction with other microorganisms. These issues could be addressed by using the bioactive compounds produced by the fungus, in cases where they were responsible for positive effects, instead of the living organism. Multiple bioactive compounds produced by fungal species, especially endophytes, with antifungal properties have been previously reported in the literature. However, despite the large amount of these metabolites and their potential, extensive in-field application on a large scale has not yet been implemented. In the present review, the main aspects explaining this limited implementation are analyzed, and the present and future perspectives for its development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rodrigo
- Department of Agronomy and Forest Environment Engineering, University of Extremadura, Avda, Adolfo Suárez s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain; (S.R.); (C.G.-L.)
| | - Carlos García-Latorre
- Department of Agronomy and Forest Environment Engineering, University of Extremadura, Avda, Adolfo Suárez s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain; (S.R.); (C.G.-L.)
| | - Oscar Santamaria
- Department of Construction and Agronomy, University of Salamanca, Avda, Cardenal Cisneros 34, 49029 Zamora, Spain
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