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Isolates of dark septate endophytes reduce metal uptake and improve physiology of Salix caprea L.

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Abstract

Background and aims

Dark septate endophyte (DSE) fungi are the most frequent colonists on the roots of Salix caprea in highly metal-contaminated soils. The present study was performed to obtain insights into the physiology and potential role(s) of DSE fungi for Salix caprea growing in metal-enriched sites.

Methods

Fungal isolates from S. caprea roots were identified using molecular methods, and tested for their tolerance and metal accumulation in axenic cultures. In addition, an inoculation experiment was performed to monitor the effects of the fungi on the metal uptake by the plant host. Fitness of S. caprea cuttings was assessed by photosynthetic pigment quantification and measurements of transpiration.

Results

Fungal isolates were identified as members of the Phialophora/Cadophora complex. They showed different levels of metal tolerance and maintained growth on metal-enriched media. In comparison to non-inoculated cuttings, the DSE-inoculated cuttings had lower leaf Cd content, and for isolates DB146 and DB148, also lower Zn concentrations. All DSE isolates increased the chlorophyll levels of the cuttings, with isolate DB146 also positively affecting the transpiration rate of S. caprea.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that DSE reduced the metal uptake by the S. caprea cuttings, thus suggesting a beneficial role for S. caprea in metal-enriched soils.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to two anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments on the manuscript.

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  1. Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University in Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    M. Likar & M. Regvar

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  1. M. Likar
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Correspondence to M. Likar.

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Responsible Editor: Thom W. Kuyper.

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Likar, M., Regvar, M. Isolates of dark septate endophytes reduce metal uptake and improve physiology of Salix caprea L.. Plant Soil 370, 593–604 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-013-1656-6

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