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Dark septate endophytes: mutualism from by-products?
Anna L Ruotsalainen1, Miia Kauppinen2, Piippa R Wäli3
1Department of Ecology and Genetics, POB 3000, University of Oulu, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland.
Trends in Plant Science
|November 10, 2021
Summary
Dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi offer by-product benefits to plants, potentially driving the evolution of mutualistic relationships. These fungi may represent a transitional phase from saprotrophic to cooperative symbionts.
Area of Science:
- Plant-microbe interactions
- Mycology
- Symbiotic relationships
Background:
- Dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi are widespread root symbionts across ecosystems.
- DSE fungi exhibit functional diversity, with relationships ranging from antagonistic to mutualistic.
- Understanding the benefits exchanged in plant-fungal symbioses is crucial for ecological and evolutionary insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of by-product benefits in dark septate endophytic (DSE) and other root-fungal symbioses.
- To compare host plant investments with symbiont-derived benefits.
- To categorize symbiont benefits as either by-products or requiring reciprocal host investment.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of host investments and symbiont-derived benefits in plant-fungal symbioses.
- Categorization of symbiont benefits based on the requirement for reciprocal host investment.
Main Results:
- Symbiont-derived benefits can be categorized as by-products or requiring host investment.
- By-product benefits may facilitate the evolution of more complex, invested mutualisms.
- DSE fungi could represent an evolutionary transitional stage.
Conclusions:
- Dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi may act as by-product mutualists.
- By-product benefits are key drivers in the evolution of symbiotic relationships.
- DSE fungi represent a potential evolutionary link between saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi.
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