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Microbiology Research
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Plants, Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Bacteria
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Plants, Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Bacteria

A special issue of Microbiology Research (ISSN 2036-7481).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 8088

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Nathalie Diagne

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles (ISRA), Bambey, Senegal
Interests: land degradation; salinity tolerance; mycorhizal symbiosis; nitrogen-fixing bacteria; interaction plant/symbiotic microorganisms

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Land degradation is becoming a global problem. In parallel, the global population is predicted to reach 10 billion by the end of 2050, causing the demand for food to increase by 34%.  Thus, agricultural yield needs to increase by an estimated 43% to feed the world population. However, climate change and agricultural malpractices, such as the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, have aggravated the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses on crop productivity.

In this context, sustainable biological practices, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and soil bacteria, which improve plant yield and quality should be exploited to increase agricultural production.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are soil microorganisms that form a symbiotic relationship with 80–90% of vascular plant species and 90% of agricultural plants, including most agricultural crops, particularly cereals, vegetables, and horticultural plants. These plants are also associated with soil bacteria such as PGPR (plant growth-promoting bacteria), among them, nitrogen-fixing bacteria. These microorganisms help plants to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, extreme temperature, heavy metal, diseases, and pathogens. 

However, this tripartite relation can be synergistic, neutral, or negative depending on both partners.

This Special Issue of Microbiology Research, entitled “Plants, Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Bacteria”, aims to focus on the latest research progress regarding the interaction between the plant, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and soil bacteria. The main research topics include the role of AMF and soil bacteria in plant growth and performance, in biotic and abiotic tolerance and the multipartite interaction between plant/AMF/bacteria in the context of climate change.

Dr. Nathalie Diagne
Guest Editor

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. Microbiology Research is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1600 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

  • multipartite interaction
  • arbuscular mycorhizal fungi
  • soil bacteria
  • plant growth and performance
  • climate change
  • abiotic and biotic stresses
  • land degradation
  • agricultural production

Published Papers (5 papers)

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17 pages, 2648 KiB  
Article
Promising Eco-Friendly Nanoparticles for Managing Bottom Rot Disease in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia)
by Nashwa A. H. Fetyan, Tarek A. Essa, Tamer M. Salem, Ahmed Aboueloyoun Taha, Samah Fawzy Elgobashy, Nagwa A. Tharwat and Tamer Elsakhawy
Microbiol. Res. 2024, 15(1), 196-212; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres15010014 - 16 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 693
Abstract
Developing innovative, eco-friendly fungicide alternatives is crucial to mitigate the substantial threat fungal pathogens pose to crop yields. In this study, we assessed the in vitro effectiveness of SiO2, CuO, and γFe2O3 nanoparticles against Rhizoctonia solani. Furthermore, [...] Read more.
Developing innovative, eco-friendly fungicide alternatives is crucial to mitigate the substantial threat fungal pathogens pose to crop yields. In this study, we assessed the in vitro effectiveness of SiO2, CuO, and γFe2O3 nanoparticles against Rhizoctonia solani. Furthermore, greenhouse experiments were conducted in artificially infested soil to evaluate the in vivo impact of nanoparticles under study. Two application methods were employed: soil drenching with 10 mL per pot at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 mg L−1, and seedling dipping in nanoparticle suspensions at each concentration combined with soil drench. The combined treatment of 200 mg L−1 γFe2O3 or CuO nanoparticles showed the highest in vitro antifungal activity. Conversely, SiO2 nanoparticles demonstrated the lowest in vitro activity. Notably, the application of 200 mg/L SiO2 via the dipping and soil drenching methods decreased counts of silicate-solubilizing bacteria and Azospirillum spp. Whereas, application of 100 mg L−1 γFe2O3 nanoparticles via soil drenching increased soil bacterial counts, and CuO nanoparticles at 50 mg L−1 through dipping and soil drenching had the highest dehydrogenase value. γFe2O3 nanoparticles improved plant photosynthetic pigments, reduced malondialdehyde levels, and minimized membrane leakage in lettuce plants. A root anatomical study showed that 200 mg L−1 CuO nanoparticles induced toxicity, whereas 200 mg L−1 γFe2O3 or SiO2 nanoparticles positively affected root diameter, tissue structure, and various anatomical measurements in lettuce roots. γFe2O3 nanoparticles hold promise as a sustainable alternative for managing crop diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants, Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Bacteria)
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13 pages, 1056 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Biocontrol Potential of Bacillus spp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens UM270 against Postharvest Fungal Pathogens
by Luzmaria R. Morales-Cedeño, Ignacio A. Barajas-Barrera, Fannie I. Parra-Cota, Valeria Valenzuela-Ruiz, Sergio de los Santos-Villalobos, Pedro D. Loeza-Lara, Alejandra Herrera-Pérez, Ma. del Carmen Orozco-Mosqueda and Gustavo Santoyo
Microbiol. Res. 2023, 14(4), 1511-1523; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres14040103 - 27 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1295
Abstract
Fungal pathogens are the main causal agents of postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables. To prevent this problem and avoid the use of harmful chemical fungicides, safer and greener alternatives have been sought. One of these alternatives is the use of plant-growth-promoting bacteria [...] Read more.
Fungal pathogens are the main causal agents of postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables. To prevent this problem and avoid the use of harmful chemical fungicides, safer and greener alternatives have been sought. One of these alternatives is the use of plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). In this study, we evaluated in vitro four well-known PGPB strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens UM270, Bacillus toyonensis COPE52, Bacillus sp. E25, and Bacillus thuringiensis CR71) for their biocontrol potential against nineteen postharvest fungal pathogens. In vivo assays were also performed, and bacterial cells were inoculated on harvested strawberries and grapes with the pathogens Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, and Fusarium brachygibbosum to evaluate loss of firmness and disease incidence. Our results show that the four strains antagonized fungi in direct and indirect confrontation assays. Stronger antagonism was observed by the action of diffusible metabolites (DMs) compared to volatile organic compound (VOC) activity. All PGPB significantly improved the fruit firmness and reduced disease incidence caused by the fungal pathogens tested. However, strain UM270 showed excellent biocontrol activity, reducing the disease incidence of Fusarium brachygibbosum, Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria alternata on strawberry fruits by 60%, 55%, and 65%, respectively. Diffusible antifungals and VOCs such as 2,4-diacetyl phloroglucinol, siderophores, auxins, fengycins, and N, N-dimethyl-hexadecyl amine, among others, might be responsible for the beneficial activities observed. These results suggest excellent biocontrol activities to inhibit postharvest pathogenic fungi and improve harvested fruit quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants, Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Bacteria)
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12 pages, 947 KiB  
Article
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Funneliformis mosseae Improves Soybean Growth Even in Soils with Good Nutrition
by Veronika Řezáčová, Ema Némethová, Iva Stehlíková, Alena Czakó and Milan Gryndler
Microbiol. Res. 2023, 14(3), 1252-1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres14030084 - 31 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1279
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improve plant growth and may be useful in maintaining and even restoring soil. However, data on the latter function are sparse and only indirect, which is especially true for conventional management conditions with adequate nutrient availability. Our study focused [...] Read more.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improve plant growth and may be useful in maintaining and even restoring soil. However, data on the latter function are sparse and only indirect, which is especially true for conventional management conditions with adequate nutrient availability. Our study focused on utilizing the prevalent AMF species, Funneliformis mosseae, to enhance Glycine max production, while also exploring its partly explored impact on soil aggregation. Working in greenhouse conditions, we examined whether, in a nutrient-sufficient environment, AMF would improve crop biomass accumulation and nutrition, as well as the stability of soil aggregates (SAS). We also looked for a synergistic effect of dual inoculation using AMF and symbiotic rhizobium. Plants were or were not inoculated with AMF or Bradyrhizobium japonicum in a two-factorial design. AMF inoculation increased soybean biomass, but AMF inoculation had no impact on P and N input to the shoots. Mycorrhiza did not affect either glomalin abundance or SAS. All the impacts were, however, independent from rhizobial inoculation, which was ineffective in this nutrient-available environment. Our assay suggests that arbuscular mycorrhiza may have a positive effect on soybean growth even under conventional management with adequate nutrition. The positive effects of AMF on soybean growth, together with the fact that AMF generally do not thrive in good nutrient availability, should be taken into account when planning mineral fertilization levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants, Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Bacteria)
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12 pages, 3842 KiB  
Article
Species of the Genera Neopestalotiopsis and Alternaria as Dominant Pathogen Species Attacking Mastic Trees (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia)
by Nathalie N. Kamou, Stefanos Testempasis and Anastasia L. Lagopodi
Microbiol. Res. 2023, 14(1), 104-115; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres14010010 - 21 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1998
Abstract
Between 2018 and 2021, several mastic trees (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia) sampled in the field and the nursery of the Chios Mastiha Growers Association (CMGA) were analyzed to determine the cause of dominant diseases. Symptoms included defoliation, leaf, and twig blight, wilting [...] Read more.
Between 2018 and 2021, several mastic trees (Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia) sampled in the field and the nursery of the Chios Mastiha Growers Association (CMGA) were analyzed to determine the cause of dominant diseases. Symptoms included defoliation, leaf, and twig blight, wilting and/or apoplexy of trees and apoplexy of young hardwood cuttings. Moreover, brown discoloration had also been observed on older woody parts of the trees such as branches and tree trunks. Several pathogens have been isolated and identified as the causing agents. Neopestalotiopsis and Alternaria species were isolated consistently from necrotic tissues of mastic trees (branches, twigs, and leaves) in the field and the nursery. All fungal isolates’ pathogenicity was confirmed by applying Koch’s postulates on young mastic trees under glasshouse conditions. Fungal pathogens were identified by sequence analyses of the ITS, β-tubulin, and histone gene regions. Alternaria species were analyzed further by sequencing the endopolygalacturonase (endoPG) and the Alternaria major allergen (Alta1) genes. More specifically, the isolates were identified as Neopestalotiopsis clavispora, Alternaria arborescens, and A. alternata based on morphological features and sequence analyses. This is the first report of N. clavispora, A. arborescens, and A. alternata on P. lentiscus var. Chia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants, Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Bacteria)
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10 pages, 1454 KiB  
Brief Report
Lactic Bacteria with Plant-Growth-Promoting Properties in Potato
by Lilian Dutra Panetto, Joyce Doria, Carlos Henrique Barbosa Santos, Edvan Teciano Frezarin, Luziane Ramos Sales, Luana Alves de Andrade and Everlon Cid Rigobelo
Microbiol. Res. 2023, 14(1), 279-288; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres14010022 - 17 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2069
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the abilities of three bacteria, Bacillus cereus, Succinovibrio dextrinosolvens, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, to fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphorus, and produce cellulosic and amylolytic enzymes. Then, these bacteria were evaluated in potato plants under field conditions. The [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the abilities of three bacteria, Bacillus cereus, Succinovibrio dextrinosolvens, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, to fix nitrogen, solubilize phosphorus, and produce cellulosic and amylolytic enzymes. Then, these bacteria were evaluated in potato plants under field conditions. The bacterium B. cereus showed the ability to synthesize amylase, indole acetic acid (IAA) production of 9.08 μg mL−1, phosphorus solubilization of 14.93 mg P L−1, and nitrogen fixation of 0.7 mg of nitrogen L−1. S. dextrinosolvens showed the ability to synthesize siderophores and amylase, IAA production of 10.25 μg mL−1, phosphorus solubilization of 41.38 mg P L−1, and nitrogen fixation of 0.42 mg N L−1. L. acidophilus showed the ability to synthesize siderophores, IAA production of 7.25 μg mL−1, phosphorus solubilization of 5.58 mg P L−1, and nitrogen fixation of 0.5 mg N L−1. Some plant parameters were increased as shoot dry matter by B. cereus, and the mixture of bacteria increased shoot and root dry matter and increased phosphorus from the root. More studies are needed to deepen the understanding of the potential of these bacteria; however, B. cereus showed great potential to be used as a plant growth promoter in potato crops in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plants, Mycorrhizal Fungi, and Bacteria)
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