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Spatial and Temporal Variation in Fungal Endophyte Communities Isolated from Cultivated Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Summary

This research explored the diverse community of beneficial fungi living inside cotton plants across Texas. These fungi, called endophytes, can potentially help protect plants from pests and diseases naturally. The study found that different types of fungi are present at different times of the growing season and in different plant parts, but the specific fungi present varied by location. This knowledge could lead to more sustainable farming practices. Impacts on everyday life: • Could reduce the need for chemical pesticides in cotton farming • May lead to more environmentally-friendly crop protection methods • Could help make cotton farming more sustainable and cost-effective • Provides natural alternatives for pest control in agriculture • Could improve cotton crop yields while reducing chemical inputs

Background

Fungal endophytes are fungi that internally colonize plant tissues without causing evident damage or disease. While studies of fungi in upland cotton in the US have largely focused on monitoring and controlling plant pathogens, there is increasing interest in asymptomatic fungal endophytes as potential biological control agents.

Objective

To characterize communities and functional roles of fungal endophytes in cotton and isolate strains with potential beneficial applications by surveying endophytes in asymptomatic cotton across multiple varieties and locations in Texas.

Results

A total of 69 different endophytic fungal taxa grouped into 44 different genera were isolated. No differences in endophyte species richness or diversity were found among different cotton varieties, but differences were detected over time and in different plant tissues. No consistent patterns of community similarity associated with variety, region, farming practice, time of season or tissue type were observed. Several isolated species are known antagonists against plant pathogens, insects and nematode pests.

Conclusion

Local fungal endophyte communities may be affected by both time of year and plant tissue, but specific community composition varies across sites. The survey provides candidates for further evaluation as potential management tools against pests and diseases when present as endophytes in cotton and other plants. The presence of fungal endophytes appears unaffected by cotton variety or region but can vary by time of year and tissue type.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Field Survey,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066049
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