Molecular and Physiological Mechanisms Underlying the Antifungal and Nutrient Acquisition Activities of Beneficial Microbes

The study investigated the role of endophytes in combating fungal pathogens and aiding nutrient acquisition in plants, focusing on wild, ancient, and modern genotypes of Zea. A total of 190 bacterial endophytes were tested, revealing that certain strains of Burkholderia gladioli from wild and ancient maize could combat fungal pathogens Sclerotinia homoeocarpa and Rhizoctonia solani. Additionally, a Paenibacillus polymyxa strain from modern maize also showed antifungal activity. The antifungal genes in B. gladioli were identified, suggesting a genetic network involved in antifungal activity. For nutrient acquisition, 73 endophytes were screened, and one from wild maize promoted root growth on rock-phosphate by secreting acids and synthesizing auxin, enhancing phosphorus scavenging. These findings supported the hypothesis that wild plants host beneficial microbes aiding in pathogen resistance and nutrient acquisition.