Symbiotic association betweenSalix purpureaL. andRhizophagus irregularis: modulation of plant responses under copper stress

Abstract

There are increasing concerns about trace metal levels such as copper (Cu) in industrial sites and the broader environment. Different studies have highlighted the role of mycorrhizal associations in plant tolerance to trace metals, modulating some of the plant metabolic and physiological responses. In this study, we investigated the role of the symbiotic association betweenRhizophagus irregularisandSalix purpureaL. in modulating plant responses under Cu stress. We measured Cu accumulation, oxidative stress-related, photosynthetic-related and hydraulic traits, for non-inoculated (non-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) and inoculated saplings exposed to different Cu concentrations. We found thatS. purpureais a suitable option for phytoremediation of Cu, acting as a phytostabilizer of this trace metal in its root system. We observed that the symbiotic association modulates a broad spectrum of metabolic and physiological responses inS. purpureaunder Cu conditions, including (i) a reduction in gas exchange associated with chlorophyll content changes and (ii) the sequestration of Cu into the cell walls, modifying vessels anatomy and impacting leaf specific conductivity (KL) and root hydraulic conductance (LP). UpholdingKLandLPunder Cu stress might be related to a dynamic Aquaporin gene regulation ofPIP1;2along with an up-regulation ofTIP2;2in the roots of inoculatedS. purpurea.

Trees, fungi and bacteria: tripartite metatranscriptomics of a root microbiome responding to soil contamination

“…Beyond a direct plant response to soil conditions, it has long been known that root-associated fungi, particularly ECM fungi, can improve not only nutrient uptake in trees, but also water [ 63 – 65 ]. It is interesting to note, in light of subsequent fungal gene expression, that extreme PIP upregulation has previously been observed as induced by the ECM fungi Amanita muscaria in fine ectomycorrhized roots of poplar (a close relative of Salix , sharing macrosynteny) [ 66 ] as well as in Salix by the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis [ 22 ].…”

“…Roughly 6000 species of fungi from Glomeromycota , Ascomycota , and Basidiomycota have been categorised to date as mycorrhizal [ 20 ]. Recent research has explored the symbiotic interaction of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF, endomycorrhizal fungi currently exclusively categorised within Glomeromycota ) with willow [ 13 , 21 , 22 ] although trees and shrubs such as willow are characteristically known for interacting with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi when mature [ 20 , 23 ]. Such interactions are thought to be predicated on the exchange of nutrients from the fungi to the plant, in particular phosphate and nitrogen attained by the fungi from soils, and a highly controlled amount of sugars exchanged from the plant to fungi.…”

Characterization and Expression of KT/HAK/KUP Transporter Family Genes in Willow under Potassium Deficiency, Drought, and Salt Stresses

“…Purple osier grows fast and has strong adaptability that plays important roles in water and soil conservation, shelter forest, and bioenergy [47][48][49][50]. In this present study, we identified and characterized 22 KT/HAK/KUP transporters in purple osier willow.…”

Effects of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal backgrounds and soils on olive plants growth and water relation properties under well‐watered and drought conditions

“…It is know that AM fungi may increase lignin contents of colonized roots, especially in endodermis cells (Dehne and Schonbeck ). Furthermore, most recently, Almeida‐Rodríguez et al () found that AM symbiosis modifies xylem vessels diameter in Salix purpurea plants, modifying also L p r values under copper stress conditions. Anatomical changes caused by AM symbiosis in olives plants cannot be ruled out, and they deserve further investigations.…”