An Endophytic Trichoderma Strain Promotes Growth of its Hosts and Defends Against Pathogen Attack
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2020-12-03
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Summary
Scientists discovered a new beneficial fungus that lives inside plant roots and helps plants grow better while protecting them from diseases. This research has important implications for sustainable agriculture:
• The fungus could be used as a natural fertilizer to promote crop growth
• It provides protection against plant diseases without harmful chemicals
• It helps plants better tolerate salt stress, which is important for farming in challenging conditions
• The fungus works together with other beneficial soil microbes rather than disrupting them
• It could reduce the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture
Background
Trichoderma species are versatile filamentous ascomycetes found in nearly all environments. They can live in soil, grow on wood as saprophytes, or feed on fungi, plants, animals and insects as parasites. Various Trichoderma species protect plants against pathogenic fungi and are commonly used as bio-control agents in agriculture.
Objective
To characterize a new endophytic Trichoderma strain isolated from leaves of Leucas aspera and evaluate its effects on plant growth promotion and pathogen defense in model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana attenuata.
Results
The new Trichoderma strain colonized plant roots, promoted early growth in both host species, and protected against Alternaria brassicicola infection. The fungus showed salt tolerance up to 100mM NaCl and did not interfere with beneficial mycorrhizal colonization. Root colonization led to altered phytohormone levels, particularly salicylic acid, in host plants.
Conclusion
The newly isolated Trichoderma strain demonstrates potential as a biocontrol agent by promoting plant growth during early development and protecting against pathogen infection while not disrupting beneficial mycorrhizal associations. These traits make it promising for agricultural applications.
- Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
- Study Type:Experimental Research,
- Source: 10.3389/fpls.2020.573670