Agricultural Relevance of Fungal Mycelial Growth-Promoting Bacteria: Mutual Interaction and Application

Author: mycolabadmin
2025-01-01
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Summary

This research explores how certain beneficial bacteria can help fungi grow better, particularly in agricultural settings. The study examines the various ways bacteria and fungi work together to create mutually beneficial relationships that can improve agricultural practices. Impact on everyday life: • Could lead to more sustainable and efficient mushroom cultivation • May help develop better organic farming methods • Could improve plant growth through enhanced soil microorganism interactions • Potential applications in natural fertilizers and soil amendments • May contribute to more environmentally friendly agricultural practices

Background

Bacterial-fungal interaction (BFI) is found ubiquitously and plays important roles in various environmental settings, being responsible for numerous biophysical and chemical processes in nature. The capacity of bacteria to enhance fungal mycelial growth indicates mutualistic interaction, as increased mycelial growth leads to better fungal establishment.

Objective

This review assessed the relationship between mycelial growth-promoting bacterium (MGPB) and its fungal counterpart in agricultural contexts, evaluating the promotion of mycelial growth as an outcome of mutual interactions in various environmental niches. The review aimed to clarify the modes of interaction between MGPBs and fungi, examine bacterial secondary metabolites involved, and explore the agricultural applications of these relationships.

Results

The review identified two fundamental modes of interaction: physical (involving endosymbiosis and bacterial attachment) and chemical (comprising quorum sensing, volatile metabolites, enzymatic activity, and chemotaxis). Bacterial secondary metabolites were found to promote fungal mycelial growth through various mechanisms. The study revealed potential trade-off metabolites between fungi and MGPBs as a consequence of mutualistic interaction.

Conclusion

The relationship between fungi and their associated bacteria, particularly positive interactions, has significant agricultural applications. Both physical and chemical interactions govern the beneficial relationship between fungi and bacteria, with potential applications in various agricultural sectors including revegetation, bioremediation, and sustainable agriculture.

Published in:Microbiological Research,
Study Type:Review,
Source: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127978