Mold and diseases brought on by fungi can greatly affect the shelf lifetime of fruit and veggies. However, some fungi profit their hosts by aiding plant survival. () is a root mold that normally supports continued plant growth even when the plant is deprived of phosphorus, a very important nutrient for photosynthesis and growth. The researchers studied a novel pathogenic strain of the fungus, which inhibits the other of plant growth. Comparing useful and deleterious stress strains, they found that activation of a fungal secondary metabolism gene cluster determined the negative effects of the fungus on the host plant. When the cluster was disrupted, either genetically or by a change within the environment, the behavior of the fungus modified from inhibiting growth to promoting it. Understanding such mechanisms may also help us reduce food waste by harnessing the useful role of fungi on food.
When your fresh strawberries turn cloudy with mold, or the grapes turn gray and decay at the underside of the fruit bowl, it's at all times slightly disappointing and unsightly. The wrongdoer is frequently a disease-causing fungus, which destroys food crops worldwide and is well spread by wind and soil. However, there are various fungi which have less destructive relationships with their host plants, even forming partnerships that may also help the plant thrive. Promoting useful fungal traits and suppressing undesirable consequences (corresponding to moldy fruit) will greatly contribute to global food security and help reduce food waste.
“Plant-associated fungi display different infection lifestyles, from mutualistic (beneficial) to pathogenic (harmful), depending on the host environment. However, the mechanisms by which these microbes transmit with these different lifestyles are poorly understood. is,” said Associate Professor Ki Hiroma. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences on the University of Tokyo. “We analyzed genetic information from different strains of the root fungus using comparative transcriptomic analysis, which enabled us to study differences in gene expression between each strain. Surprisingly, we found that a single fungal secondary metabolism gene cluster, called ABA-BOT, determines whether the fungus exhibits pathogenic or mutualistic traits toward the host plant.”
is a fungus that normally advantages plants once they suffer from phosphorus deficiency, helping them to thrive despite the shortage of this necessary nutrient. It has even been shown to extend the expansion and yield of economically necessary crops corresponding to corn and tomato. In this study, the multi-institutional team used thal cress as a bunch plant and obtained six strains from different geographical locations to contaminate it. Five strains significantly promoted plant growth, as expected, however the sixth – referred to as – was found to suppress nutrient uptake, inhibiting plant growth and disease symptoms. results in So, what’s the explanation for this drastic change?
“We identified two key points: first, on the fungus side, which activates the ABA-BOT biosynthesis gene cluster; and second, on the plant side, which induces the host plant's ABA signaling pathways, through which The fungus inhibits plant growth.” Hiroma explained. The researchers found that each the pathogenic and reciprocal strains contained the ABA-BOT gene cluster, however the reciprocal strain didn’t express it, meaning the genes weren’t activated. The discovery got here as a surprise, as pathogens and sympathizers were traditionally thought to have distinct characteristics, but these findings suggest a more complex relationship.
When the gene cluster was disrupted, either on the genetic level or by altering the plant's environment, it was rendered nonpathogenic and even useful to the host by promoting root growth. Although further study is required, it seems that the ABA-BOT gene cluster may contribute to pathogenesis in diverse fungi outside of species. For example, it might be involved within the pathogenesis that affects our household fruit and veggies. “If we gain a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms that control the secondary metabolism gene cluster of fungi, we may give you the chance to plan a method to selectively suppress potential pathogenesis in otherwise useful fungi. Optimizing their use in agriculture and harnessing the complete potential of naturally occurring microbes in soil ecosystems,” Hiroma said.
“I've realized that even pathogens can exhibit harmless properties during a significant portion of their lives. In fact, I'm beginning to consider the possibility that what we traditionally call pathogens are other can act as beneficial microbes in certain situations.”