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Novel epiphytic root-fungus symbiosis in the Indo-Pacific seagrass Thalassodendron ciliatum from the Red Sea

Summary

Scientists discovered a new partnership between seagrass roots and fungi in the Red Sea. Unlike similar relationships found in Mediterranean seagrass, this symbiosis involves fungi that coat the root surface without growing inside. The fungi’s dark pigments may help preserve organic material in seabed sediments, potentially contributing to carbon storage in marine ecosystems.

Background

Fungal symbioses are ubiquitous on land but underexplored in marine environments. Only one seagrass species, Posidonia oceanica, has been shown to form a specific root-fungus symbiosis resembling terrestrial associations. This study expands understanding of seagrass-fungal interactions in another seagrass species.

Objective

To characterize a novel root-fungus symbiosis in the Indo-Pacific seagrass Thalassodendron ciliatum from the Red Sea using microscopy and molecular techniques, and to identify the mycobiont forming this association.

Results

The study revealed dark septate fungal hyphae forming extensive hyphal mantles on root surfaces without intraradical colonization. Unlike P. oceanica, the symbiosis occurs on roots with root hairs. Sequencing yielded 34 operational taxonomic units comprising mostly saprotrophs and pathotrophs, with the identity of the true mycobiont remaining unknown.

Conclusion

Root-fungus symbioses in seagrasses appear more frequent than previously thought. The melanin in dark septate hyphae may slow decomposition and contribute to blue carbon sequestration in seagrass meadows, highlighting potential ecological significance of these associations.
  • Published in:Mycorrhiza,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39073598, DOI: 10.1007/s00572-024-01161-9
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