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Various types of mycorrhizal fungi sequences detected in single intracellular vesicles

Summary

Scientists discovered that two different types of beneficial fungi can live together inside the same tiny storage structure (vesicle) within plant roots. They designed new genetic tools to identify these fungi more accurately. This finding suggests that plants may have more complex fungal partnerships than previously understood, which could help us better understand how plants get nutrients from soil and improve agriculture.

Background

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) exist as two types: Glomeromycotina (G-AMF) and Mucoromycotina (M-AMF), which are known to co-occur in plant roots. However, physical distinction between these fungi is difficult, and PCR amplification bias has hindered detailed analysis of their symbiotic behavior.

Objective

To isolate single vesicles of AMF from plant roots and sequence their ribosomal RNA genes using uniquely designed primers with reduced amplification bias to determine the genetic composition and co-occurrence patterns of different mycorrhizal fungi types.

Results

Both G-AMF and M-AMF ribosomal RNA gene sequences were detected within single isolated vesicles, suggesting genetic co-occurrence at the subcellular level. The primer set successfully amplified most Mucoromycota species while excluding Mucoromycetes, and phylogenetic analysis revealed multiple fungal genera within individual vesicles.

Conclusion

The detection of multiple mycorrhizal fungal sequences in single vesicles reveals previously overlooked genetic heterogeneity and suggests new avenues for understanding the morphology and symbiotic behavior of AMF co-colonization in plant roots.
  • Published in:Plant Biotechnology (Tokyo),
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: 10.5511/plantbiotechnology.25.0228a
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