The root endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica requires host cell death for proliferation during mutualistic symbiosis with barley.

ABSTRACT: Fungi of the recently defined order Sebacinales (Basidiomycota) are involved in a wide spectrum of mutualistic symbioses (including mycorrhizae) with various plants, thereby exhibiting a unique potential for biocontrol strategies. The axenically cultivable root endophyte Piriformospora indica is a model organism of this fungal order. It is able to increase biomass and grain yield of crop plants. In barley, the endophyte induces local and systemic resistance to fungal diseases and to abiotic stress. To elucidate the lifestyle of P. indica, we analyzed its symbiotic interaction and endophytic development in barley roots. We found that fungal colonization increases with root tissue maturation. The root tip meristem showed no colonization, and the elongation zone showed mainly intercellular co

SUBMITTER: Deshmukh S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1697795 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature