The Potential of Rhizoctonia-Like Fungi for the Biological Protection of Cereals against Fungal Pathogens

Abstract

The use of biological control is becoming a common practice in plant production. One overlooked group of organisms potentially suitable for biological control are Rhizoctonia-like (Rh-like) fungi. Some of them are capable of forming endophytic associations with a large group of higher plants as well as mycorrhizal symbioses. Various benefits of endophytic associations were proved, including amelioration of devastating effects of pathogens such as Fusarium culmorum. The advantage of Rh-like endophytes over strictly biotrophic mycorrhizal organisms is the possibility of their cultivation on organic substrates, which makes their use more suitable for production. We focused on abilities of five Rh-like fungi isolated from orchid mycorrhizas, endophytic fungi Serendipita indica, Microdochium bolleyi and pathogenic Ceratobasidium cereale to inhibit the growth of pathogenic F. culmorum or Pyrenophora teres in vitro. We also analysed their suppressive effect on wheat infection by F. culmorum in a growth chamber, as well as an effect on barley under field conditions. Some of the Rh-like fungi affected the growth of plant pathogens in vitro, then the interaction with plants was tested. Beneficial effect was especially noted in the pot experiments, where wheat plants were negatively influenced by F. culmorum. Inoculation with S. indica caused higher dry shoot biomass in comparison to plants treated with fungicide. Prospective for future work are the effects of these endophytes on plant signalling pathways, factors affecting the level of colonization and surviving of infectious particles.

Compatible interaction of Brachypodium distachyon and endophytic fungus Microdochium bolleyi

“…Endophyte presence is usually determined by methods other than PCR, especially microscopic [ 43 ] and by culture [ 91 , 92 ]. In recent years, molecular methods have also been introduced [ 93 ].…”

“…Roots for the purpose of evaluating endophyte colonization by light microscopy were collected 90 days after sowing, then fixed in 70% ethanol. Leaves and roots fixed in 70% ethanol were subsequently cleared in 2.5% KOH for 3 days, acidified in 1% HCl, then stained with 0.05% aniline blue in lactoglycerol [ 43 ]. Colonization of roots by the endophytic fungus was assessed by microscopic examination (200× magnifications).…”

Comparative metabolomic profiling reveals molecular mechanisms underlying growth promotion and disease resistance in wheat conferred by Piriformospora indica in the field

“… 2 , 3 In recent years, researchers have directed their attention to strategies for promoting wheat growth, adapting wheat production to environmental change, improving wheat yield and quality, and achieving sustainable agricultural development. 4 , 5 …”

Superabsorbent Polymer Seed Coating Reduces Leaching of Fungicide but Does Not Alter Their Effectiveness in Suppressing Pathogen Infestation

“…To achieve these goals, Fusarium culmorum , a serious pathogen of maize and winter wheat belonging to the major hosts of this pathogen was used. Fu sarium culmorum was chosen due to its severity and the ability of rapid mycelial growth [ 31 ]. This makes it suitable for short-term tests in the seed germination phase, which was the goal of our experiment.…”

“…In some cases, the methods of soil contamination are more appropriate. This can be done by soil irrigation with a spore suspension [ 31 ], or by adding a substrate overgrown by fungal mycelium to the soil [ 34 ]. In our experiments, the second method was used, and the fungal inoculum was applied to the soil on a natural carrier, thus simulating the contamination of the soil with post-harvest residues.…”