The Interaction between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Grass Endophyte (Epichloë) on Host Plants: A Review

Abstract

In nature, plants frequently experience concurrent colonization with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and grass endophytes (Epichloë). These two fungi assist in mineral uptake and stress tolerance by the host. Despite the abundance of recent studies exploring the individual functions of these fungi in diverse ecosystems, research on the effects of the interaction between these two symbiotic fungi on the host, particularly in agricultural production and ecological conservation. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the interaction between AMF and grass endophytes and their synergistic effects on host plants in response to abiotic and biotic stress, while also outlining prospects for future research in this field. This knowledge not only enhances our comprehension of complex interaction effects between the two fungi, but also facilitates the optimal utilization of fungal resources, contributing to ecological construction and higher agricultural production.

Effects of Claroideoglomus etunicatum Fungus on the Growth Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants under Boron Toxicity and Salt Stress

“…The manner in which arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi colonize plant roots remains poorly understood. It is believed that the excretion of compounds from plant roots significantly enhances the colonization of roots by mycorrhizal fungi, making the identification of these compounds crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying root mycorrhizal colonization [29]. Despite previous reports and speculations about the negative effects of stress on colonization rates [30], combined B and salt stress did not affect the AMF colonization rate in our experiment (Figure 7b).…”

Plant Beneficial Symbionts: Fashionable Charming Members in the Phytomicrobiome Community

“…Current research trends and advancements in the study of plant beneficial symbionts involve various techniques and approaches. These include analyzing plant microbiomes, studying the genes encoded by plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) through DNA genome sequencing, and investigating gene expression using transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics [78,79]. Additionally, researchers are exploring the use of genome editing to modify PGPB, encapsulating PGPB inoculants for plant treatment, and imaging techniques to visualize plant-bacteria interactions [79].…”

“…These include analyzing plant microbiomes, studying the genes encoded by plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) through DNA genome sequencing, and investigating gene expression using transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics [78,79]. Additionally, researchers are exploring the use of genome editing to modify PGPB, encapsulating PGPB inoculants for plant treatment, and imaging techniques to visualize plant-bacteria interactions [79]. The study of symbiotic partners through transcriptome analysis has revealed the modulation of gene expression and unique functional metabolic pathways in symbionts [80].…”