Title : Endophytes of plants in desert regions are suitable tools for cultivating medicinal plants under saline conditions
Abstract:
Endophytes, especially fungal types, are often useful for host plants, and by improving the production of specific metabolites of the host plant, they protect them against stresses, especially salt and drought stress. It is assumed that the plants that have adapted to harsh conditions and lived in these climatic conditions for many years are necessarily equipped with evolved salinity-resistant endophytes.
Therefore, their isolation and then transfer to host plants could provide the possible cultivation of medicinal plants in saline soil and drought conditions. For this purpose, Yazd province was considered a good area for a pilot study. In this study, different parts (root, stem, and branches) of 112 species were selected, including ancient trees and perennials. Plant samples were transferred to the laboratory, and
after sterilization, were cultured in potato dextrose agar (PDA). Out of 32 studied plant species, more than 70 endophytes were purified and cloned. Then, the isolated fungi were cultured in media with different salinity levels of 1, 2, and 3 M of sodium chloride. Results showed that among the investigated fungi, around 50 strains grew in the medium containing sodium chloride salt 1M. In the continuation of the screening process of the selected samples, 6 strains of the isolated fungal endophytes were able to grow in the medium containing NaCl in the concentration of 3 M. The ability of three selected endophyte isolates to be hosted on a basil plant (Ocimum basilicum) showed that all of the isolates have the ability to penetrate and spread in basil roots without any pathogenic symptoms. A study of the ITS genomic regions of ribosomal DNA of selected endophytes showed highly sexual and diverse species in the isolated endophytes. More research is needed to recommend the best endophytes in the basil plant culture in saline soil.
Audience Takeaway:
- The audience can use the findings of this study to understand the potential benefits of utilizing endophytes, particularly fungal types, in cultivating medicinal plants under saline and drought conditions. This knowledge can help them explore new strategies for improving plant growth and resilience in challenging environments.
- This research can benefit the audience in their job by providing insights into novel approaches for enhancing the production of specific metabolites in host plants, thereby increasing their resistance to salt and drought stresses. By identifying and isolating salinity-resistant endophytes from plants adapted to harsh conditions, researchers can potentially improve the cultivation of medicinal plants in saline soils.
- Members could use this research to expand their studies or teaching by incorporating the concept of endophytes and their role in plant adaptation to stress conditions. It could also inspire further investigations into the interactions between endophytes and host plants in different environments.
- This research offers a practical solution to the problem of cultivating medicinal plants in saline soil and drought conditions, potentially simplifying the process for farmers and researchers. By utilizing endophytes that have shown resilience to high salinity levels, it could make plant cultivation more efficient and sustainable in challenging environments.
- The findings of this study could improve the accuracy of plant design strategies by introducing a natural approach to enhancing plant resilience. It provides new information on the potential benefits of using endophytes in plant cultivation, which can assist in developing innovative solutions to agricultural challenges.
Other benefits of this research include:
- Enhancing plant growth and productivity in saline and drought-affected areas
- Promoting sustainable agriculture practices
- Contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts
- Offering insights into the genetic diversity of endophytic fungi
- Providing a foundation for further research on plant-microbe interactions.
