Growth-Promoting Effects of Dark Septate Endophytes Fungus <i>Acrocalymma</i> on Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>)

This study investigates the potential role of <i>Acrocalymma</i> dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi in promoting the growth of <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> (tomato). Recognized as important symbionts that enhance plant growth and resilience under stress, particularly <i>...

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Main Authors: Xiaoxiao Feng, Ying Jin, Zhupeiqi Zhong, Yongli Zheng, Huiming Wu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of Fungi
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/7/510
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author Xiaoxiao Feng
Ying Jin
Zhupeiqi Zhong
Yongli Zheng
Huiming Wu
author_facet Xiaoxiao Feng
Ying Jin
Zhupeiqi Zhong
Yongli Zheng
Huiming Wu
author_sort Xiaoxiao Feng
collection DOAJ
description This study investigates the potential role of <i>Acrocalymma</i> dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi in promoting the growth of <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> (tomato). Recognized as important symbionts that enhance plant growth and resilience under stress, particularly <i>Acrocalymma</i> species, DSE fungi were the focus of this investigation. Specifically, four stains isolated from gramineous plant roots (<i>Acrocalymma</i> sp. E00677, <i>Acrocalymma vagum</i> E00690, <i>Acrocalymma chuxiongense</i> E01299A, and <i>Acrocalymma chuxiongense</i> E01299B) were examined. Morphological characteristics were observed using three different media, confirming typical DSE traits such as dark pigmentation and septate hyphae. Phylogenetic analysis using six genetic markers (ITS, LSU, SSU, <i>tef</i>1, <i>rpb</i>2, and <i>tub</i>2) placed the strains within the <i>Acrocalymma</i> genus. Co-culture test and physiological index measurements showed that all strains significantly enhanced root development, as evidenced by an increased root-to-shoot ratio and a higher number of lateral roots. Additionally, the <i>Acrocalymma</i> DSE strains elevated chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content, suggesting improved photosynthetic efficiency. Anthocyanin levels were also increased in the tomato leaves, indicating enhanced antioxidative defense mechanisms. Among these strains, <i>Acrocalymma vagum</i> E00690 exhibited the most substantial effect on root activity. The widespread presence of 325 <i>Acrocalymma</i> isolates from 25 countries underscores its broad ecological adaptability. These findings suggest that <i>Acrocalymma</i> DSE fungi positively influence tomato growth, with potential implications for improving plant resilience under environmental stress. This study highlights the importance of further exploring DSEs, particularly <i>Acrocalymma</i> fungi, to better understand their ecological roles in agricultural practices, particularly in tomato cultivation.
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spelling doaj-art-a6fd174577b14c9c8bf778b057f28a552025-08-20T02:45:37ZengMDPI AGJournal of Fungi2309-608X2025-07-0111751010.3390/jof11070510Growth-Promoting Effects of Dark Septate Endophytes Fungus <i>Acrocalymma</i> on Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>)Xiaoxiao Feng0Ying Jin1Zhupeiqi Zhong2Yongli Zheng3Huiming Wu4The Rural Development Academy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, ChinaCollege of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, ChinaCollege of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, ChinaZhejiang Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 310003, ChinaCollege of Advanced Agriculture Sciences, Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University, Hangzhou 311300, ChinaThis study investigates the potential role of <i>Acrocalymma</i> dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi in promoting the growth of <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> (tomato). Recognized as important symbionts that enhance plant growth and resilience under stress, particularly <i>Acrocalymma</i> species, DSE fungi were the focus of this investigation. Specifically, four stains isolated from gramineous plant roots (<i>Acrocalymma</i> sp. E00677, <i>Acrocalymma vagum</i> E00690, <i>Acrocalymma chuxiongense</i> E01299A, and <i>Acrocalymma chuxiongense</i> E01299B) were examined. Morphological characteristics were observed using three different media, confirming typical DSE traits such as dark pigmentation and septate hyphae. Phylogenetic analysis using six genetic markers (ITS, LSU, SSU, <i>tef</i>1, <i>rpb</i>2, and <i>tub</i>2) placed the strains within the <i>Acrocalymma</i> genus. Co-culture test and physiological index measurements showed that all strains significantly enhanced root development, as evidenced by an increased root-to-shoot ratio and a higher number of lateral roots. Additionally, the <i>Acrocalymma</i> DSE strains elevated chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content, suggesting improved photosynthetic efficiency. Anthocyanin levels were also increased in the tomato leaves, indicating enhanced antioxidative defense mechanisms. Among these strains, <i>Acrocalymma vagum</i> E00690 exhibited the most substantial effect on root activity. The widespread presence of 325 <i>Acrocalymma</i> isolates from 25 countries underscores its broad ecological adaptability. These findings suggest that <i>Acrocalymma</i> DSE fungi positively influence tomato growth, with potential implications for improving plant resilience under environmental stress. This study highlights the importance of further exploring DSEs, particularly <i>Acrocalymma</i> fungi, to better understand their ecological roles in agricultural practices, particularly in tomato cultivation.https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/7/510dark septate endophytes (DSEs)<i>Acrocalymma</i>plant growth promotion
spellingShingle Xiaoxiao Feng
Ying Jin
Zhupeiqi Zhong
Yongli Zheng
Huiming Wu
Growth-Promoting Effects of Dark Septate Endophytes Fungus <i>Acrocalymma</i> on Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>)
Journal of Fungi
dark septate endophytes (DSEs)
<i>Acrocalymma</i>
plant growth promotion
title Growth-Promoting Effects of Dark Septate Endophytes Fungus <i>Acrocalymma</i> on Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>)
title_full Growth-Promoting Effects of Dark Septate Endophytes Fungus <i>Acrocalymma</i> on Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>)
title_fullStr Growth-Promoting Effects of Dark Septate Endophytes Fungus <i>Acrocalymma</i> on Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>)
title_full_unstemmed Growth-Promoting Effects of Dark Septate Endophytes Fungus <i>Acrocalymma</i> on Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>)
title_short Growth-Promoting Effects of Dark Septate Endophytes Fungus <i>Acrocalymma</i> on Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i>)
title_sort growth promoting effects of dark septate endophytes fungus i acrocalymma i on tomato i solanum lycopersicum i
topic dark septate endophytes (DSEs)
<i>Acrocalymma</i>
plant growth promotion
url https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/11/7/510
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