The root endophyte fungusPiriformospora indicaleads to early flowering, higher biomass and altered secondary metabolites of the medicinal plant,Coleus forskohlii

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of plant probiotic fungus Piriformospora indica on the medicinal plant C. forskohlii. Interaction of the C. forskohlii with the root endophyte P. indica under field conditions, results in an overall increase in aerial biomass, chlorophyll contents and phosphorus acquisition. The fungus also promoted inflorescence development, consequently the amount of p-cymene in the inflorescence increased. Growth of the root thickness was reduced in P. indica treated plants as they became fibrous, but developed more lateral roots. Because of the smaller root biomass, the content of forskolin was decreased. The symbiotic interaction of C. forskohlii with P. indica under field conditions promoted biomass production of the aerial parts of the plant including flower development. The plant aerial parts are important source of metabolites for medicinal application. Therefore we suggest that the use of the root endophyte fungus P. indica in sustainable agriculture will enhance the medicinally important chemical production.

Cloning, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of a cyclophilin A-like protein fromPiriformospora indica

“…We have previously demonstrated the role of P. indica and its phosphate-transporter gene (PiPT) in the supply of phosphate nutrition to the host plant (Yadav et al, 2010). In addition, we have recently reported that P. indica leads to early flowering, higher biomass and altered secondary metabolites in the medicinal plant Coleus forskohlii (Das et al, 2012). We have found higher expression levels of a cyclophilin A (CypA) homologue in P. indica under salt-stress conditions (unpublished work).…”

Standardized Conditions to Study Beneficial and Nonbeneficial Traits in the Piriformospora indica/Arabidopsis thaliana Interaction

“…We could successfully transfer these conditions to different Arabidopsis ecotypes and other plant species including tobacco (Johnson et al 2011b;Sherameti et al 2005) and Chinese cabbage (Johnson et al 2011b;Lee et al 2011;Sun et al 2010). The beneficial effects of P. indica have also been demonstrated in maize, tobacco, Artemisia, parsley, Becopa and Poplar (Varma et al 1999;, barley Waller et al 2005), Coleus (Das et al 2012) and Centella (Satheesan et al 2012). …”

Effect of Temperature, Water Activity and Cinnamon Essential Oil on the Growth of Aspergillus Flavus La01 and Aspergillus Niger La04

“…The results were similar compared to some previous studies. Das et al (2012) [9] found the optimum growth a w and temperature of A. flavus being 0.95 -0.99 a w and 30 o C respectively. Furthermore, Rosso et al (1995) [10] reported that at the range of 0.834 -0.845 a w , the growth rate of A. flavus was inhibited by high temperature.…”

“…Das et al (2012) [9] found the optimum growth a w and temperature of A. flavus being 0.95 -0.99 a w and 30 o C respectively. Furthermore, Rosso et al (1995) [10] reported that at the range of 0.834 -0.845 a w , the growth rate of A. flavus was inhibited by high temperature. Consequently, a w was an integral factor to control the growth of mold on substances and there was a correlation between a w and the growth rate of Aspergillus sp isolated from rice.…”