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Plants
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Plant Interaction with Fungal Endophytes
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Plant Interaction with Fungal Endophytes

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 24406

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Shawkat Ali

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Government of Canada, 32 Main Street Kentville NS, B4N 1J5, Canada
Interests: plant–microbe interaction; plant pathology; plant–fungal endophyte interaction; integrated disease management; plant disease epidemiology; pathogen identification using molecular biology techniques; molecular biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Joey Brent Tanney

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Pacific Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, 506 Burnside Road West, Victoria, BC V8Z 1M5, Canada
Interests: mycology; alpha taxonomy; phylogenetics; genomics; field mycology; forest pathology; fungal diversity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fungal endophytes are ubiquitous plant symbionts that play an important role in plant health and ecosystem functions. Emerging research shows that endophytes can have complex relationships with their hosts, ranging from opportunistic pathogens to mutualists. Endophytes can help plants to survive in adverse environmental conditions such as cold, heat, salt, and drought stresses, and also help plants to protect themselves against pathogens, pests, and other herbivores.

In this Special Issue, we welcome articles (original research papers, perspectives, hypotheses, opinions, reviews, modeling approaches, and methods) focusing on fungal endophytes and their interactions with host plants, including genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, phylogenetics, taxonomy, plant microbiome studies, plant health, and other studies. Endophyte secondary metabolites currently receive special interest as potential bioinsecticides, biofungicides, and antibiotics, and this issue will cover the discovery and characterization of these natural products, and the potential application of these endophytes or their derived compounds for improving plant performance. Finally, any new developments in the field will be included in this issue.

Dr. Shawkat Ali
Dr. Joey Brent Tanney
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Endophytic fungus
  • Plant/host–endophyte interactions
  • Endophyte genomics
  • Endophyte isolation and identification
  • Endophyte taxonomy
  • Endophyte natural products
  • Application of endophytes in agriculture and industry
  • Plant microbiome and endophytes
  • Endophytes and host epigenetics

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3968 KiB  
Article
Biodiversity of Root Endophytic Fungi from Oxyria sinensis Grown in Metal-Polluted and Unpolluted Soils in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China
by Meiyan Zhu, Yanhua Ding, Xuejiao Li, Yuqing Xiao, Zhiwei Zhao and Tao Li
Plants 2021, 10(12), 2731; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122731 - 11 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2270
Abstract
Oxyria sinensis adopts a tolerant strategy as a metal excluder to survive toxic metal concentrations. Biodiversity and the endophytic fungal community colonizing the O. sinensis roots were assessed from a mining area (MA) and a neighboring non-mining area (nMA) in southwestern China. All [...] Read more.
Oxyria sinensis adopts a tolerant strategy as a metal excluder to survive toxic metal concentrations. Biodiversity and the endophytic fungal community colonizing the O. sinensis roots were assessed from a mining area (MA) and a neighboring non-mining area (nMA) in southwestern China. All O. sinensis roots formed fully developed dark septate endophytes (DSEs) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Total DSE colonization was higher for the MA versus nMA, in contrast to the total AMF colonization in the two sites. The DSE colonization was higher than AMF colonization regardless of the site. Pure-culture data showed that the fungi closely related to Exophiala, Cadophora and Phialophora dominantly colonized the O. sinensis roots. A total of 450 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified showing the presence of a distinct fungal community in MA and nMA, which was shaped by soil physiochemical properties, including soil Zn concentrations and organic matter. We found that O. sinensis accumulates and adapts efficiently to local endophytic fungi to achieve the expansion of its community, including the spontaneously reclaimed DSE. This property may be targeted to achieve its colonization with a pioneer plant for phytoremediation in the restoration of a vegetation cover in a metal-contaminated area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Interaction with Fungal Endophytes)
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12 pages, 3909 KiB  
Communication
The Effect of Dark Septate Endophytic Fungi on Mahonia oiwakensis
by Lei-Chen Lin, Yin-Ling Tan, Wan-Rou Lin, Kuo-Lung Ku and Shang-Tse Ho
Plants 2021, 10(8), 1723; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10081723 - 20 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2456
Abstract
This is the first study to discuss the effects of dark septate endophytes (DSE) on the growth promotion and berberine concentration in Mahonia oiwakensis, whose extract (MOE) has been suggested to have potential therapeutic effects against human lung cancer. First, as per [...] Read more.
This is the first study to discuss the effects of dark septate endophytes (DSE) on the growth promotion and berberine concentration in Mahonia oiwakensis, whose extract (MOE) has been suggested to have potential therapeutic effects against human lung cancer. First, as per phylogenetic analysis, the strains were divided into four groups: CkDB2, CkDB5, MoAL2 and MoAL5. All of these were DSEs, which could form microsclerotia in M. oiwakensis. The growth response experiment revealed that inoculation of the plant with MoAL5 and CkDB5 promoted an increase in the total fresh weight of the seedlings. Chemical composition analysis showed that seedlings inoculated with CkDB5 had the highest berberine concentration. These results showed that some DSEs have the ability to promote growth and induce phytochemical responses in the host plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Interaction with Fungal Endophytes)
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20 pages, 4561 KiB  
Article
Effects of Epichloë sinensis Endophyte and Host Ecotype on Physiology of Festuca sinensis under Different Soil Moisture Conditions
by Wenbo Xu, Miaomiao Li, Weihu Lin, Zhibiao Nan and Pei Tian
Plants 2021, 10(8), 1649; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10081649 - 11 Aug 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2025
Abstract
This study explored the effects of the Epichloë sinensis endophyte on growth, photosynthesis, ionic content (K+ and Ca2+), phytohormones (abscisic acid—ABA, cytokinin—CTK, indolE−3-acetic acid—IAA, and gibberellin—GA), and elements—C, N, P (in the shoot and root) in two ecotypes of [...] Read more.
This study explored the effects of the Epichloë sinensis endophyte on growth, photosynthesis, ionic content (K+ and Ca2+), phytohormones (abscisic acid—ABA, cytokinin—CTK, indolE−3-acetic acid—IAA, and gibberellin—GA), and elements—C, N, P (in the shoot and root) in two ecotypes of Festuca sinensis (ecotypes 111 and 141) under different soil water conditions (35% and 65% relative saturation moisture content (RSMC)). The results showed that 35% RSMC inhibited the plants’ growth, and compared with 65% RSMC, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the growth and photosynthesis indices, the contents of CTK and GA, Ca2+ concentration, and the contents of C, N, and P (in both the aboveground and underground parts) under 35% RSMC. E. sinensis had beneficial effects on host growth and stress tolerance. Under both 35% and 65% RSMC, the presence of E. sinensis significantly (p < 0.05) increased host plant height, tiller number, root length, root volume, shoot dry weight, chlorophyll content, and the rate of photosynthesis of both ecotypes. Furthermore, the shoot C, N, and P contents in plants infected with E. sinensis (E+) from the two ecotypes, under both conditions of RSMC, were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in corresponding plants that were not infected with E. sinensis (E−). Under 35% RSMC, the contents of ABA, K+, Ca2+, and root P contents in E+ plants were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in corresponding E− plants in both ecotypes. However, under 65% RSMC, root C, N, and P contents in E+ plants of ecotype 111 and 141 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in corresponding E− plants. In addition, the host ecotype also had effects on host growth and stress tolerance; the growth and photosynthetic indices of ecotype 141 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of ecotype 111 under 35% RSMC, which suggested that ecotype 141 is more competitive than ecotype 111 under water deficiency conditions. These findings suggest that the endophyte improved the host plant resistance to water deficiency by maintaining the growth of the plant, improving photosynthesis, accumulating K+ and Ca2+, promoting nutrient absorption, and adjusting the metabolism of plant hormones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Interaction with Fungal Endophytes)
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13 pages, 892 KiB  
Article
Foliar Endophytic Fungi from the Endangered Eastern Mountain Avens (Geum peckii, Rosaceae) in Canada
by Sarah J. Adams, Brent M. Robicheau, Diane LaRue, Robin D. Browne and Allison K. Walker
Plants 2021, 10(5), 1026; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10051026 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2668
Abstract
Eastern Mountain Avens (Geum peckii Pursh, Rosaceae) is a globally rare and endangered perennial plant found only at two coastal bogs within Digby County (Nova Scotia, Canada) and at several alpine sites in the White Mountains of New Hampshire (USA). In [...] Read more.
Eastern Mountain Avens (Geum peckii Pursh, Rosaceae) is a globally rare and endangered perennial plant found only at two coastal bogs within Digby County (Nova Scotia, Canada) and at several alpine sites in the White Mountains of New Hampshire (USA). In Canada, the G. peckii population has declined over the past forty years due in part to habitat degradation. We investigated the culturable foliar fungi present in G. peckii leaves at five locations with varying degrees of human impact within this plant species’ Canadian range. Fungal identifications were made using ITS rDNA barcoding of axenic fungal cultures isolated from leaf tissue. Differences in foliar fungal communities among sites were documented, with a predominance of Gnomoniaceae (Class: Sordariomycetes, Phylum: Ascomycota). Habitats with more human impact showed lower endophytic diversities (10–16 species) compared to the pristine habitat (27 species). Intriguingly, several fungi may represent previously unknown taxa. Our work represents a significant step towards understanding G. peckii’s mycobiome and provides relevant data to inform conservation of this rare and endangered plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Interaction with Fungal Endophytes)
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Review

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29 pages, 898 KiB  
Review
Fungal Endophytes and Their Role in Agricultural Plant Protection against Pests and Pathogens
by Rachel Grabka, Tyler W. d’Entremont, Sarah J. Adams, Allison K. Walker, Joey B. Tanney, Pervaiz A. Abbasi and Shawkat Ali
Plants 2022, 11(3), 384; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants11030384 - 30 Jan 2022
Cited by 63 | Viewed by 10631
Abstract
Virtually all examined plant species harbour fungal endophytes which asymptomatically infect or colonize living plant tissues, including leaves, branches, stems and roots. Endophyte-host interactions are complex and span the mutualist–pathogen continuum. Notably, mutualist endophytes can confer increased fitness to their host plants compared [...] Read more.
Virtually all examined plant species harbour fungal endophytes which asymptomatically infect or colonize living plant tissues, including leaves, branches, stems and roots. Endophyte-host interactions are complex and span the mutualist–pathogen continuum. Notably, mutualist endophytes can confer increased fitness to their host plants compared with uncolonized plants, which has attracted interest in their potential application in integrated plant health management strategies. In this review, we report on the many benefits that fungal endophytes provide to agricultural plants against common non-insect pests such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viruses, and mites. We report endophytic modes of action against the aforementioned pests and describe why this broad group of fungi is vitally important to current and future agricultural practices. We also list an extensive number of plant-friendly endophytes and detail where they are most commonly found or applied in different studies. This review acts as a general resource for understanding endophytes as they relate to potential large-scale agricultural applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Interaction with Fungal Endophytes)
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20 pages, 418 KiB  
Review
The Response of the Associations of Grass and Epichloë Endophytes to the Increased Content of Heavy Metals in the Soil
by Barbara Wiewióra and Grzegorz Żurek
Plants 2021, 10(3), 429; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/plants10030429 - 24 Feb 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2528
Abstract
The rapid development of civilization increases the area of land exposed to the accumulation of toxic compounds, including heavy metals, both in water and soil. Endophytic fungi associated with many species of grasses are related to the resistance of plants to biotic and [...] Read more.
The rapid development of civilization increases the area of land exposed to the accumulation of toxic compounds, including heavy metals, both in water and soil. Endophytic fungi associated with many species of grasses are related to the resistance of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses, which include heavy metals. This paper reviews different aspects of symbiotic interactions between grass species and fungal endophytes from the genera Epichloë with special attention paid to the elevated concentration of heavy metals in growing substrates. The evidence shows the high resistance variation of plant endophyte symbiosis on the heavy metals in soil outcome. The fungal endophytes confer high heavy metal tolerance, which is the key feature in its practical application with their host plants, i.e., grasses in phytoremediation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Interaction with Fungal Endophytes)
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