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Apophysomyces jiangsuensis sp. nov., a Salt Tolerant and Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungus from the Tidelands of Jiangsu Province of China

Summary

Scientists have discovered a new species of fungus in Chinese coastal wetlands that can help plants access more nutrients from the soil in salty conditions. This fungus produces organic acids that dissolve locked-up phosphorus in the soil, making it available for plant growth. This discovery is significant for agriculture and ecosystem management in coastal areas. Impacts on everyday life: • Could help improve crop growth in coastal farming areas • May lead to new natural fertilizers that work in salty soils • Helps understand how to better manage and restore coastal wetlands • Could reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers • Provides insights into sustainable agriculture in challenging environments

Background

The genus Apophysomyces was first proposed in 1979 with A. elegans as the type specimen isolated from soils in Northern India. While initially classified in the family Mucoraceae based on morphology, it was later placed in Saksenaeaceae based on phylogenetic analysis. Soil phosphorus is a crucial limiting factor in agriculture, with about 43% of the world’s arable land being phosphorus-deficient. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms can transform insoluble soil phosphate into soluble forms through various processes.

Objective

The study aimed to describe a new salt-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing fungus species Apophysomyces jiangsuensis isolated from S. alterniflora habitats in Jiangsu tideland, China. The objectives were to characterize the fungus based on phylogenetic and morphological analysis, develop a method to stimulate spore production, and investigate its phosphate-solubilizing abilities and mechanisms.

Results

The phylogenetic analysis confirmed A. jiangsuensis as a distinct new species. The fungus showed optimal growth at 28°C and 1.15% NaCl concentration. It effectively solubilized lecithin, Ca3(PO4)2, and AlPO3 but not FePO4·4H2O. The pH of fermented liquid decreased from 6.85 to 2.27 after 7 days. The main organic acids produced were oxalic acid (652.50 mg/L), succinic acid (9.14 mg/L), and malic acid (3.16 mg/L).

Conclusion

A. jiangsuensis represents a new fungal species that is particularly adapted to salt marsh habitats. It creates favorable conditions for survival in alkaline saline environments through organic acid production, especially oxalic acid, which enables it to solubilize phosphates effectively. This makes it a promising candidate for improving phosphorus nutrition and plant productivity in tidal lands.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms8121868
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