Endophytes with mycorrhizal potentials: biological and ecological implications

Area of Science:

• Plant-fungal interactions
• Microbial ecology
• Root microbiome studies

Background:

• Root mycobiomes typically feature endophytic and mycorrhizal fungi, often with mutualistic benefits for plants.
• The functional distinction between these fungal guilds can be blurred by endophytes exhibiting mycorrhizal-like traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new term for endophytic fungi that display characteristics typically associated with mycorrhizal fungi.
• To highlight the transitional nature of these fungi within the plant-fungal mutualistic continuum.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of plant-endophyte interactions in gnotobiotic systems.
• Characterization of fungal traits, including nutrient transfer capabilities and genetic profiles.
• Observation of ectomycorrhizal-like structure development under controlled conditions.

Main Results:

• Identification of endophytic fungi with mycorrhizal-like traits that benefit nonmycorrhizal plants.
• Demonstration of nutrient transfer and responses to nutrient deficiency similar to mycorrhizal fungi.
• Observation of ectomycorrhizal-like structures and shared genetic traits with mycorrhizal fungi.

Conclusions:

• Propose the term 'mycorrhizal-like endophytes' for these fungi.
• These fungi represent a transitional state between endophytes and mycorrhizal fungi.
• Understanding these fungi enhances knowledge of the plant-fungal mutualistic continuum.