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Morphological and molecular development of Terfezia claveryi ectendomycorrhizae exhibits three well-defined stages

Summary

This study tracked how desert truffles form a beneficial partnership with plant roots over 10 weeks, identifying three distinct stages with different structures and genetic activity patterns. Researchers used microscopy and gene analysis to understand how the fungus gradually colonizes the root system, starting with growth in soil, then spreading between root cells, and finally penetrating inside cells. The findings reveal that specific fungal and plant genes are active at different stages, particularly those involved in breaking down plant cell walls. This research helps explain how desert truffles can be cultivated more effectively for food production.

Background

Desert truffles like Terfezia claveryi establish mycorrhizal symbiosis with host plants and are important edible fungi with nutritional and medicinal value. The Helianthemum almeriense x Terfezia claveryi system is widely used for desert truffle cultivation in the Mediterranean region. Understanding the molecular and morphological development of this ectendomycorrhizal symbiosis is crucial for improving nursery plantlet production.

Objective

This study aims to elucidate the morphological and molecular development of Terfezia claveryi ectendomycorrhizae with Helianthemum almeriense as a model system. The researchers evaluated mycorrhizal colonization morphology alongside dynamic expression of selected marker genes (6 fungal and 11 plant genes) measured weekly until mycorrhiza maturation over three months.

Results

Three distinct developmental stages were identified: pre-symbiosis (weeks 1-3, extraradical hyphae only), early symbiosis (weeks 4-7, intercellular colonization), and late symbiosis (weeks 8-10, intracellular colonization). Different gene expression patterns characterized each stage, with fungal genes like TcPME1 and TcAQP1 showing two expression peaks during early and late symbiosis, while plant aquaporins showed general downregulation throughout development.

Conclusion

The ectendomycorrhizal continuum development in T. claveryi x H. almeriense exhibits three well-defined stages with distinct morphological structures and molecular signatures. Understanding these stages and associated gene expression patterns provides insights into the mechanisms of EEM symbiosis development and may improve desert truffle cultivation practices.
  • Published in:Mycorrhiza,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s00572-025-01205-8; PMID: 40232537
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