Fostering Growth in Cinnamomum kanehirae Cuttings: The Beneficial Role of Dark Septate Endophytes in Forest Nursery Management

Abstract

Root development is critical to successful establishment after seedlings are out-planted on a forest restoration site. However, the restoration of an endangered Cinnamomum kanehirae using cuttings was limited by the lack of axial roots. Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) are an important group of asexual filamentous ascomycetous fungi and could promote the performance of host plants. In the current study, we explored the effects of four DSE strains (Melnikomyces sp., Acrocalymma vagum, Wiesneriomyces sp., and Tricholomataceae sp.) on the growth of C. kanehirae cuttings under nursery conditions. The results show that four DSE isolates are able to form symbiotic relationships with C. kanehira, enhancing the seedling height, fresh weight, and chlorophyll concentrations. Notably, the Melnikomyces sp. (DB5) showed significant improvements, secreting peroxidase and indole acetic acid. To facilitate the detection of DB5 within the host roots, we developed specific primers (DB5-1F/DB5-1R). We recommend the adoption of the endophyte inoculation approach and molecular detection methods in forestry nurseries as valuable tools to enhance silvicultural practices and contribute to the conservation of C. kanehirae.

Distinct interactions of ericoid mycorrhizae and plant growth-promoting bacteria: impacts on blueberry growth and heat resilience

“…After 30-day incubation of Oidiodendron maius RhYM3, the inoculum prepared mycelial slurry of maintained in sterile liquid culture on 2% malt extract medium by fragmenting the mycelium in a blender for 30 seconds The inoculation method was done by pouring 10 mL of the inoculum in each blueberry plantlet. 31 , 32 …”