Differential interaction of the dark septate endophyte Cadophora sp. and fungal pathogens in vitro and in planta

Abstract

Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) present a group of widespread root-colonizing fungi. The role of these endophytes in ecosystems and their interactions with plant pathogens are not well understood. In the current study, we assessed the antagonistic potential of the model DSE Cadophora sp. against the tomato soilborne pathogens Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium aphanidermatum and Verticillium dahliae. To investigate their interactions, we conducted in vitro assays followed by a greenhouse experiments in which tomato plants were inoculated with different combinations of the DSE and pathogens. RNA accumulation of selected tomato pathogenesis-related genes and of Cadophora sp. genes with putative antifungal function was analyzed. Cadophora sp. inhibited the growth of the fungal pathogens in vitro and vice versa; a negative impact of the pathogens on the growth of the DSE was also detected. In roots, however, this mutual negative interaction could not be observed. Expression analyses of plant genes could not explain this differential effect, but among the Cadophora sp. genes analyzed, a gene coding for a chalcone synthase was downregulated in planta. The data indicate that plants can change the interaction between fungi and, therefore, in vitro detected antagonism does not necessarily reflect the situation inside the plant.

Research Progress on Phytopathogenic Fungi and Their Role as Biocontrol Agents

“…T. harzianum can rapidly grow in the roots and leaves of plants. By occupying sites on the plant surface, T. harzianum forms a protective cover; in this way it prevents pathogenic fungi from contacting the root system or leaf surface of the plant, thereby providing protection and ensuring the healthy growth of plants (Stopnisek et al, 2016;Panstruga and Kuhn, 2019;Yakti et al, 2019). However, it is still unclear whether biocontrol fungal preparations can successfully colonize the surface of plant roots and whether these colonized fungi are beneficial for plant growth.…”

Deciphering Trifolium pratense L. holobiont reveals a microbiome resilient to future climate changes

“…We detected several dark septate endophytic fungal genera as indicators of future climate. Some of these indicators could be beneficial to plant growth and disease resistance, such as Cadophora , Myrothecium , and Stachybotrys (Banerjee et al, 2010 ; Busby et al, 2016 ; Yakti et al, 2019 ). However, these climate indicators are represented with few OTUs among the whole community.…”

The function of root mat fungal communities: Changes in response to pH and phosphorus addition

“…Dark septate endophytes may benefit the plant host under some conditions; for example, colonization and host benefit from Phialocephala fortinii was found to increase with N fertilization in Pinus contorta (Jumpponen, 2001; Jumpponen et al., 1998). Cadophora species have been found to decrease pathogen growth in vitro (Berthelot et al., 2019; Yakti et al., 2019) and may have some beneficial effects on plant growth in conditions with higher inorganic nutrients (Yakti et al., 2018). Our results are consistent with the idea that DSE may offer plant benefit where inorganic nutrient levels are elevated.…”