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Scientists isolate fungi that can boost plant growth even under less water conditions

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8 years ago

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Scientists isolate fungi that can boost plant growth even under less water conditions

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By S Suresh Ramanan

Scientists at the Bharathiar University, engaged in studying the ecology of soil microbes that colonize plant roots, have isolated a fungus that can enhance plant growth even in water deficit conditions.

 Numerous types of soil microbes colonize plant roots. Among them, Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (AM) are predominant and they are well-known for mobilizing soil nutrients, particularly phosphorous.  Of many of soil microorganisms that are found associated with the plant roots, some may be disease-causing pathogens too. Sometimes two groups of soil microorganisms can be found in the same plant roots.

Researchers examined this phenomenon in the roots of tomato plants that hosts both Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and a dark septate endophytic fungus.

Endophytic fungi live inside the plant tissue symbiotically. The researchers have identified this endophytic fungus as Nectriahaematococca. The melanin pigment produced by the fungus gives its characteristic dark colour and hence it is called Dark Septate Endophytic Fungi.

The researchers cultured this fungus in the lab and subsequently assessed its role in promoting plant growth in water deficit conditions. They maintained two sets of potted tomato plants, one set treated with fungus inoculum and another set without any treatment. They used field soil as such in the experiment, so as to ensure that native soil microorganisms can still colonize the plants.  They induced water deficit condition by restricted watering to the plants.

After eight weeks, the team measured the plant height, stem thickness, leaf area, biomass and proline content. The level of proline content directly corresponds to the abiotic stress tolerance level. The team recorded better growth parameters and higher proline concentration in the potted tomato plants treated with N. haematococcaculture. Simultaneously, they examined the roots under microscope, which revealed that colonization of dark septate endophytic fungi did not inhibit native arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization. Scientists believe that secondary metabolite production in plants due to endophytic fungi colonization did promote plant growth.

Speaking on the scope of taking this research output to the field, Dr T. Muthukumar says “we have  done preliminary studies on development of user-friendly carrier-based formulations ready for use in fields. This would benefit 29% of non-mycorrhizal vascular plant species which includes a large number of crops in the cabbage family. We are working on a bioformulation involving elite fungal strains that could be used for a wide range of crop and forestry species”.

Both arbuscular mycorrhiza and dark septate endophytic fungi occupy the same niche within the roots, although arbuscular mycorrhiza is more abundant than endophytic fungi in roots of tropical plant species. Nevertheless, dark septate endophytic fungi have certain advantages in addition to the production of phytohormones. Researchers believe dark septate endophytic fungi may act as a backup system to help plants under conditions where AM fungi may be nonfunctional.

The research findings have been published in Indian Journal of Microbiology and the team included PiramanagayamPremaSundaraValli and Dr T. Muthukumar from the Root and Soil Biology Lab ofBharathiar University, Coimbatore. (India Science Wire)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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PM Modi hails ISRO after successful GSLV-F17 launch, calls it proud moment

PM Modi congratulated ISRO after GSLV-F17 successfully launched EOS-05, calling the achievement a proud moment for India.

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3 weeks ago

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September 4, 2026

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the nation.

The GSLV-F17 lifted off at 2:55 a.m. IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The EOS-05 satellite was subsequently placed into its designated sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit.

PM Modi praises ISRO’s growing capabilities

In a post on X, PM Modi said the successful mission reflected the excellence, innovation and expanding capabilities of India’s space sector.

He also highlighted the growing partnership between ISRO and Indian industry, saying it was strengthening India’s space programme and expanding capabilities across the wider space ecosystem.

The prime minister described the successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 as another outstanding achievement by ISRO and a matter of national pride.

EOS-05 strengthens earth observation capabilities

According to the report, EOS-05 is India’s first-ever imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit. The satellite is designed to provide continuous observation of the country from an altitude of nearly 36,000 km above Earth.

The mission is expected to strengthen India’s earth observation capabilities and support advanced imaging and observation applications.

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan expressed satisfaction with the mission, saying the satellite was precisely injected into its intended orbit.

Mission Director Thomas Kurian described the launch as a significant milestone for the GSLV programme. He said it was the 19th flight of the GSLV and noted that EOS-05 is the heaviest satellite the launch vehicle has placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit or sub-GTO orbit.

GSLV-F17 launch vehicle details

The GSLV-F17 stands 51.7 metres tall and has an approximate liftoff mass of 420.5 tonnes.

Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh also congratulated the ISRO team following the successful mission. He described EOS-05 as a state-of-the-art Earth observation satellite capable of advanced imaging across visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral bands.

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Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon begins first mission to International Space Station

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has launched aboard Soyuz MS-29 on his first mission to the International Space Station, where he is expected to spend around eight months conducting research.

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2 months ago

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July 14, 2026

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Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has embarked on his first journey into space after successfully launching aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS).

The mission lifted off from the historic Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 8:17 PM on Tuesday. Menon was accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina as the three-member crew began their expedition to the orbiting laboratory.

Crew to spend about eight months aboard ISS

The Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft is expected to dock with the International Space Station a little over three hours after launch. Once aboard the ISS, the crew will carry out a range of scientific research and technology demonstration projects during their mission.

The expedition is scheduled to last approximately eight months, with the crew expected to return to Earth in 2027 after completing their planned activities in orbit.

Menon’s maiden spaceflight marks a significant milestone in his astronaut career as he joins the International Space Station crew for long-duration research and operational work.

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Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to meet PM Modi after return from historic space mission

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently returned from the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, will meet PM Modi this evening. Parliament will also hold a special discussion on his historic journey.

Published

1 year ago

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August 18, 2025

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Subhanshu shukla

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening at his official residence in New Delhi.

PM Modi to host meeting with astronaut

According to officials, the meeting at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg is expected to take place between 5 pm and 5:30 pm. Shukla, who arrived in India on Sunday, will also be part of the National Space Day celebrations scheduled for August 23.

Warm welcome in India

The astronaut was greeted at the airport by his family, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and hundreds of citizens waving the national flag. Shukla had been in the United States for a year, preparing for the Axiom-4 mission, which launched from Florida on June 25 and docked at the ISS the next day. He served as the mission’s pilot.

Emotional note from Shukla

Before his return, Shukla shared an emotional post on Instagram, expressing mixed feelings of leaving his space colleagues while being eager to meet his loved ones and people of India. He also quoted a song from the film Swades, which he had chosen as his anthem on the launch day.

Parliament session on India’s space journey

In honour of Shukla’s mission, the Lok Sabha is holding a special session today to discuss “India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS – critical role of space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047.” Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the discussion would highlight the importance of India’s space achievements and future goals.

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