Work

Lamiaceae family-derived endophytic fungi: induced tolerance to drought stress in Thymus vulgaris plants

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) is a valuable medicinal plant widely cultivated for its aromatic and medicinal properties. However, like many plants, T. vulgaris faces challenges such as drought stress, which significantly affects its growth, morphological, physiological, and biochemical processes. Understanding how endophytic fungi isolated from the Lamiaceae family influence T. vulgarisunder varying watering regimes can enhance its resilience against drought stress. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of individual and co-inoculation of three native endophytic species including Fusarium sp., Cladosporium puyae (C. puyae), and Curvularia australiensis (C. australiensis) on T. vulgaris growth parameters under different irrigation regimes in greenhouse conditions. Results It's been discovered that using fungal endophytes as a biological instrument that can benefit T. vulgaris under drought stress. Plants without endophytes exhibited significant reductions in growth, The levels of chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoids under drought stress conditions. However, plants inoculated with fungal endophytes showed enhanced growth characteristics, elevated chlorophyll levels, and Carotenoid, indicating improved tolerance to drought stress. Additionally, fungal endophyte inoculation led to a considerable reduction in lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels and elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes including Glutathione Reductase (GR), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), and Catalase (CAT) under drought stress situations. under drought stress conditions, the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as Glutathione Reductase (GR), Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), and Catalase (CAT). Conclusions The findings suggest that the addition of fungal endophytes to the inoculum enhances drought tolerance in T. vulgaris by mitigating the harmful impact of drought stress on plant growth and Physiological functions. The higher activity of antioxidant enzymes and the improved redox state of glutathione are responsible for plants' greater resistance to drought.

Source: BMC Plant Biology

DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05764-4

Authors: Afsoun Kamyab, Davood Samsampour, Navid Ahmadinasab, Abdonnabi Bagheri

Institutions: University of Hormozgan, Agricultural Research & Education Organization

Language: English

Topic: Plant and fungal interactions

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990