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Fungus and Plant Interactions, 2nd Edition
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Fungus and Plant Interactions, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 February 2025 | Viewed by 7447

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Agata Piecuch

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mycology and Genetics, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63-77, PL-51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: yeasts; biofilm; antimicrobials; microbial forensics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Rafał Ogórek

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mycology and Genetics, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63-77, PL-51-148 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: mycology; speleomycology; phytopathology; plant–fungal interactions; antifungal agents; molecular biology; agriculture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant–fungal interactions concern various aspects of plant physiology. The plant surface and soil are rich with fungi, which may have an impact on plant growth, health or immunity, both in a positive and negative manner. Fungal pathogens cause plant diseases, which is a major problem in agriculture. On the other hand, many species have been identified as growth-promoting factors. Plants may also have an impact on fungi. In fact, the compounds extracted from plants are widely studied due to their antimicrobial activity, leading to the possibility of their application in the treatment of fungal infections in mammals.

In the first volume of this Special Issue, we published 12 articles presenting the study involved in plant–fungal interactions. This Special Issue of Plants will focus on both positive and negative modulation of plant morphology, the metabolism and health of plant-associated fungi, and on the effect of plant extracts on fungal survival. 

Dr. Agata Piecuch
Dr. Rafał Ogórek
Guest Editors

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. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2700 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

  • fungi
  • plants
  • plant disease
  • plant growth-promoting microorganisms
  • soil

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3905 KiB  
Article
Isolation of the Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus terreus from a Halophyte (Tetraena qatarensis) and Assessment of Its Potential in Tomato Seedling Protection
by Fedae Alhaddad, Talaat Ahmed, Samir Jaoua, Mohammad A. Al-Ghouti, Roda Al-Thani and Mohammed Abu-Dieyeh
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2218; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162218 - 10 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 992
Abstract
Living in diverse environmentally harsh conditions, the plant exhibits a unique survival mechanism. As a result, the endophytes residing within the plant produce specific compounds that promote the plant’s growth and defend it against pathogens. Plants and algae symbiotically harbor endophytes, i.e., microbes [...] Read more.
Living in diverse environmentally harsh conditions, the plant exhibits a unique survival mechanism. As a result, the endophytes residing within the plant produce specific compounds that promote the plant’s growth and defend it against pathogens. Plants and algae symbiotically harbor endophytes, i.e., microbes and microorganisms living within them. The objective of this study is to isolate endophytic fungi, specifically strains of Aspergillus terreus, from the leaves of the salt-tolerant plant Tetraena qatarensis and to explore the salt tolerance, antagonistic activity, and growth promotion properties. Strain C A. terreus (ON117337.1) was screened for salt tolerance and antagonistic effects. Regarding salt tolerance, the isolate demonstrated the ability to thrive in a concentration of up to 10% NaCl. A. terreus showed inhibitory activity against four fungal phytopathogens, namely Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Botrytis cinerea. The GC-MS investigation of the fungal (strain C Aspergillus terreus) extract showed the presence of about 66 compounds (secondary metabolites). Secondary metabolites (SMs) are produced, like Hexadecanoic acid, which aids in controlling phytopathogens. Also produced is lovastatin, which is used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Strain C, which showed salinity tolerance and the highest inhibitory activity, was further analyzed for its effect on tomato seed germination under pathogen stress from Fusarium oxysporum. The greenhouse experiment indicated that the fungi increased the length of tomato seedlings and the plant biomass. Therefore, the selected endophytes derived from Tetraena qatarensis were scrutinized for their potential as biocontrol agents, aiming to thwart fungal pathogens and stimulate plant growth. The in vitro and in vivo assessments of strain C (Aspergillus terreus) against Fusarium oxysporum in this investigation indicate the promising role of endophytes as effective biological control agents. Investigating novel bio-products offers a sustainable approach to agriculture, gradually reducing dependence on chemical fungicides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions, 2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 1395 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Antifungal Activity of Moroccan Bacterial and Fungal Isolates and a Strobilurin Fungicide in the Control of Cladosporium fulvum, the Causal Agent of Tomato Leaf Mold Disease
by Zineb Belabess, Bilale Gajjout, Ikram Legrifi, Essaid Ait Barka and Rachid Lahlali
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2213; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162213 - 9 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 788
Abstract
The causal agent of tomato leaf mold, Cladosporium fulvum, is prevalent in greenhouses worldwide, especially under high humidity conditions. Despite its economic impact, studies on antifungal agents targeting C. fulvum remain limited. This study evaluates biocontrol agents (BCAs) as alternatives to chemical [...] Read more.
The causal agent of tomato leaf mold, Cladosporium fulvum, is prevalent in greenhouses worldwide, especially under high humidity conditions. Despite its economic impact, studies on antifungal agents targeting C. fulvum remain limited. This study evaluates biocontrol agents (BCAs) as alternatives to chemical controls for managing this disease, alongside the strobilurin fungicide azoxystrobin. From a Moroccan collection of potential BCAs, five bacterial isolates (Alcaligenes faecalis ACBC1, Pantoea agglomerans ACBC2, ACBP1, ACBP2, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SF14) and three fungal isolates (Trichoderma spp. OT1, AT2, and BT3) were selected and tested. The in vitro results demonstrated that P. agglomerans isolates reduced mycelial growth by over 60% at 12 days post-inoculation (dpi), while Trichoderma isolates achieved 100% inhibition in just 5 dpi. All bacterial isolates produced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with mycelial inhibition rates ranging from 38.8% to 57.4%. Likewise, bacterial cell-free filtrates significantly inhibited the pathogen’s mycelial growth. Greenhouse tests validated these findings, showing that all the tested isolates were effective in reducing disease incidence and severity. Azoxystrobin effectively impeded C. fulvum growth, particularly in protective treatments. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed significant biochemical changes in the treated plants, indicating fungal activity. This study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of these BCAs and azoxystrobin, contributing to integrated management strategies for tomato leaf mold disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions, 2nd Edition)
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22 pages, 7852 KiB  
Article
The Ability of Different Tea Tree Germplasm Resources in South China to Aggregate Rhizosphere Soil Characteristic Fungi Affects Tea Quality
by Xiaoli Jia, Shaoxiong Lin, Qi Zhang, Yuhua Wang, Lei Hong, Mingzhe Li, Shuqi Zhang, Tingting Wang, Miao Jia, Yangxin Luo, Jianghua Ye and Haibin Wang
Plants 2024, 13(15), 2029; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13152029 - 24 Jul 2024
Viewed by 710
Abstract
It is generally recognized that the quality differences in plant germplasm resources are genetically determined, and that only a good “pedigree” can have good quality. Ecological memory of plants and rhizosphere soil fungi provides a new perspective to understand this phenomenon. Here, we [...] Read more.
It is generally recognized that the quality differences in plant germplasm resources are genetically determined, and that only a good “pedigree” can have good quality. Ecological memory of plants and rhizosphere soil fungi provides a new perspective to understand this phenomenon. Here, we selected 45 tea tree germplasm resources and analyzed the rhizosphere soil fungi, nutrient content and tea quality. We found that the ecological memory of tea trees for soil fungi led to the recruitment and aggregation of dominant fungal populations that were similar across tea tree varieties, differing only in the number of fungi. We performed continuous simulation and validation to identify four characteristic fungal genera that determined the quality differences. Further analysis showed that the greater the recruitment and aggregation of Saitozyma and Archaeorhizomyces by tea trees, the greater the rejection of Chaetomium and Trechispora, the higher the available nutrient content in the soil and the better the tea quality. In summary, our study presents a new perspective, showing that ecological memory between tea trees and rhizosphere soil fungi leads to differences in plants’ ability to recruit and aggregate characteristic fungi, which is one of the most important determinants of tea quality. The artificial inoculation of rhizosphere fungi may reconstruct the ecological memory of tea trees and substantially improve their quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 31891 KiB  
Article
Black Crust Complex: Influence of Temperature and Period of Wetness on the Development of Fungi in Hevea brasiliensis
by Louyne Varini Santos Dos Anjos, Gabriel Leonardi Antonio, Ivan Herman Fischer, Elaine Cristine Piffer Goncalves, Erivaldo José Scaloppi Junior, Edson Luiz Furtado, Thaís Lopes de Oliveira, Heloísa Noemi Bello and Ana Carolina Firmino
Plants 2024, 13(13), 1821; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131821 - 2 Jul 2024
Viewed by 650
Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the development of Davidiella sp. and its asexual form, Cladosporium sp., under different environmental conditions in the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Rubber tree leaves were inoculated with a spore suspension and kept in [...] Read more.
The objective of this work was to evaluate the development of Davidiella sp. and its asexual form, Cladosporium sp., under different environmental conditions in the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Rubber tree leaves were inoculated with a spore suspension and kept in a humid chamber under different temperatures and wetness periods. The behavior of the fungi was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an ultraviolet light microscope (UV). In the images obtained in SEM, four hours after inoculation of the fungus, it was possible to verify the germination and penetration of conidia at temperatures of 10 to 20 °C. The formation of conidiophores was verified from six hours after inoculation, indicating that it is in the reproductive period. In the sexual phase, in SEM, from four hours after inoculation, it was possible to verify the formation of small protuberances at temperatures between 10 and 20 °C. These black dots evolve into circular, protruding black spots, like the symptoms of black crust, with apparent spore formation on them. The data obtained from the UV analyses corroborate those from SEM, showing that the fungus has good development in its two phases between temperatures of 20 and 25 °C and that the period of wetness on the leaf can contribute to the initial development of the pathogen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions, 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 4029 KiB  
Article
Comparing Fungal Sensitivity to Isothiocyanate Products on Different Botrytis spp.
by Víctor Coca-Ruiz, Josefina Aleu and Isidro G. Collado
Plants 2024, 13(6), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060756 - 7 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1391
Abstract
Glucosinolates, the main secondary metabolites accumulated in cruciferous flora, have a major impact on fortifying plant immunity against diverse pathogens. Although Botrytis cinerea exhibits varying sensitivity to these compounds, current research has yet to fully understand the intricate mechanisms governing its response to [...] Read more.
Glucosinolates, the main secondary metabolites accumulated in cruciferous flora, have a major impact on fortifying plant immunity against diverse pathogens. Although Botrytis cinerea exhibits varying sensitivity to these compounds, current research has yet to fully understand the intricate mechanisms governing its response to glucosinolates. Different species of the genus Botrytis were exposed to glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates, revealing that B. fabae, B. deweyae, and B. convolute, species with the mfsG transporter gene (Bcin06g00026) not detected with PCR, were more sensitive to isothiocyanates than Botrytis species containing that gene, such as B. cinerea, B. pseudocinerea, and B. byssoidea. This finding was further corroborated by the inability of species with the mfsG gene not detected with PCR to infect plants with a high concentration of glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates. These results challenge established correlations, revealing varying aggressiveness on different plant substrates. An expression analysis highlighted the gene’s induction in the presence of isothiocyanate, and a bioinformatic investigation identified homologous genes in other Botrytis species. Our study underscored the importance of advanced biotechnology to help understand these proteins and thus offer innovative solutions for agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions, 2nd Edition)
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Review

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15 pages, 3635 KiB  
Review
Update on the Basic Understanding of Fusarium graminearum Virulence Factors in Common Wheat Research
by Zeeshan Ali Buttar, Mengquan Cheng, Panqin Wei, Ziwei Zhang, Chunlei Lv, Chenjia Zhu, Nida Fatima Ali, Guozhang Kang, Daowen Wang and Kunpu Zhang
Plants 2024, 13(8), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13081159 - 22 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2271
Abstract
Wheat is one of the most important food crops, both in China and worldwide. Wheat production is facing extreme stresses posed by different diseases, including Fusarium head blight (FHB), which has recently become an increasingly serious concerns. FHB is one of the most [...] Read more.
Wheat is one of the most important food crops, both in China and worldwide. Wheat production is facing extreme stresses posed by different diseases, including Fusarium head blight (FHB), which has recently become an increasingly serious concerns. FHB is one of the most significant and destructive diseases affecting wheat crops all over the world. Recent advancements in genomic tools provide a new avenue for the study of virulence factors in relation to the host plants. The current review focuses on recent progress in the study of different strains of Fusarium infection. The presence of genome-wide repeat-induced point (RIP) mutations causes genomic mutations, eventually leading to host plant susceptibility against Fusarium invasion. Furthermore, effector proteins disrupt the host plant resistance mechanism. In this study, we proposed systematic modification of the host genome using modern biological tools to facilitate plant resistance against foreign invasion. We also suggested a number of scientific strategies, such as gene cloning, developing more powerful functional markers, and using haplotype marker-assisted selection, to further improve FHB resistance and associated breeding methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions, 2nd Edition)
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