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Soil Fungi and Their Role in Plant Growth
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Soil Fungi and Their Role in Plant Growth

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 9203

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Malgorzata Jedryczka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pathogen Genetics and Plant Resistance, Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
Interests: plant pathology; plant pathogens; plant resistance; fungi; aerobiology; agriculture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Magdalena Frąc

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 20-290 Lublin, Poland
Interests: soil microbiomes and mycobiomes; plant holobiont; soil health and quality; soil–plant–microbial interactions; environmental microbiology; agricultural microbiology; fungal ecology; microbial biodiversity; mycology; agricultural biotechnology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soil is inhabited by numerous fungal species which play different roles, sometimes known to us and sometimes research is needed to understand their position in the network of complicated interactions observed in a living soil. Some fungi have a negative impact on wild or cultivated plants. They occupy plant root systems and may subsequently invade upper plant parts, decreasing plant growth, yield and quality. Their role as a plant pathogen may be partially known but is yet to be fully discovered. On the other hand, there are numerous fungi with beneficial roles in plants. They may improve plant growth directly or indirectly by increasing soil health and quality via interactions with the other soil organisms. In this Special Issue, we would like to show the different roles of fungi present in soil in relation to plant growth and health. They can be good, bad or ugly. The main interest of this Special Issue focuses on the role of soil fungi for plant growth, both being pathogenic (decreasing plant growth, causing plant diseases) and beneficial (promoting plant growth in many ways, including mycorrhiza). New tools available in mycological studies enable the elucidation of the role of fungi in microbe–plant interactions (in our Special Issue we put fungi in the first place!). We are inviting manuscripts about soil fungi and their role in plant growth at the environmental, organismal, tissue, cell and molecular levels.

This Special Issue of the Journal of Fungi will present state-of-the-art reviews and research articles on the topic of Soil Fungi and Their Role in Plant Growth.

On this occasion, we would like to draw your attention to the Special Issue of Agronomy entitled "Crop Plants: Losses and Benefits Caused by Soil Fungi". This SI of Agronomy focuses on crop plants, and analyses plant–soil fungi interaction from the plant perspective, whereas the other SI in the JoF focuses on the activities of soil fungi.

Prof. Dr. Malgorzata Jedryczka
Prof. Dr. Magdalena Frąc
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • soil fungi
  • fungi–plant interactions
  • soil pathogenic fungi
  • soil beneficial fungi
  • mycorrhiza
  • plant growth
  • plant health

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 3922 KiB  
Article
Effects of ECMF Isolated from Mining Areas on Water Status, Photosynthesis Capacity, and Lead Ion Transport of Populus alba Under Pb Stress
by Na Wu, Zhen Li, Fei Wu and Jing Tan
J. Fungi 2024, 10(12), 822; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10120822 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 783
Abstract
Native ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) are generally more effective than non-native ECMF in facilitating the phytoremediation of heavy metal (HM) ions from contaminated soils. This study aimed to investigate the contributions of four ECMF species—Suillus luteus, Suillus flavidus, Suillus variegatus, and [...] Read more.
Native ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) are generally more effective than non-native ECMF in facilitating the phytoremediation of heavy metal (HM) ions from contaminated soils. This study aimed to investigate the contributions of four ECMF species—Suillus luteus, Suillus flavidus, Suillus variegatus, and Gomphidius glutinosus—that were isolated from mining areas to the growth, water status, photosynthesis, and metallothionein gene expression of Populus alba exposed to varying concentrations of lead (Pb). The experiment lasted two months and involved P. alba cuttings subjected to Pb concentrations of 0, 200, and 400 mg kg−1, representing no Pb stress, moderate Pb stress, and severe Pb stress, respectively. Results indicated that S. flavidus significantly enhanced the growth, water status, photosynthesis parameters, and metallothionein gene expression of P. alba under Pb stress, whereas S. luteus only exhibited positive effects under severe Pb stress. S. variegatus negatively affected the growth, water status, photosynthesis, and metallothionein gene expression of P. alba under Pb stress, while no significant difference was observed between the control treatment and G. glutinosus symbiosis. Therefore, S. flavidus and S. luteus are promising ECMF species for ecological restoration in mining areas, especially in P. alba woodlands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Fungi and Their Role in Plant Growth)
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13 pages, 1043 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Soil Fertility and Carbon Dynamics in Organic Farming Systems: The Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Abundance
by So Hee Park, Bo Ram Kang, Jinsook Kim, Youngmi Lee, Hong Shik Nam and Tae Kwon Lee
J. Fungi 2024, 10(9), 598; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10090598 - 24 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2475
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are critical for soil ecosystem services as they enhance plant growth and soil quality via nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Considering the growing emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, this study investigated the effects of conventional and organic farming practices [...] Read more.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are critical for soil ecosystem services as they enhance plant growth and soil quality via nutrient cycling and carbon storage. Considering the growing emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, this study investigated the effects of conventional and organic farming practices on AMF diversity, abundance, and ecological functions in maize, pepper, and potato-cultivated soils. Using next-generation sequencing and quantitative PCR, we assessed AMF diversity and abundance in addition to soil health indicators such as phosphorus content, total nitrogen, and soil organic carbon. Our findings revealed that, while no significant differences in soil physicochemical parameters or AMF diversity were observed across farming systems when all crop data were combined, organic farming significantly enhances AMF abundance and fosters beneficial microbial ecosystems. These ecosystems play vital roles in nutrient cycling and carbon storage, underscoring the importance of organic practices in promoting robust AMF communities that support ecosystem services. This study not only deepens our understanding of AMF's ecological roles but also highlights the potential of organic farming to leverage these benefits for improving sustainability in agricultural practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Fungi and Their Role in Plant Growth)
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19 pages, 3982 KiB  
Article
Native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Promote Plukenetia volubilis Growth and Decrease the Infection Levels of Meloidogyne incognita
by Mike Anderson Corazon-Guivin, Sofía Rengifo del Aguila, Ronan Xavier Corrêa, Deyvis Cordova-Sinarahua, Leonor Costa Maia, Danielle Karla Alves da Silva, Gladstone Alves da Silva, Álvaro López-García, Danny Coyne and Fritz Oehl
J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070451 - 27 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1479
Abstract
The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) offers promising benefits to agriculture in the Amazon regions, where soils are characteristically acidic and nutrient-poor. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential effects of two recently described species of AMF (Nanoglomus [...] Read more.
The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) offers promising benefits to agriculture in the Amazon regions, where soils are characteristically acidic and nutrient-poor. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential effects of two recently described species of AMF (Nanoglomus plukenetiae and Rhizoglomus variabile) native to the Peruvian Amazon for improving the plant growth of Plukenetia volubilis (inka nut or sacha inchi) and protecting the roots against soil pathogens. Two assays were simultaneously conducted under greenhouse conditions in Peru. The first focused on evaluating the biofertilizer effect of AMF inoculation, while the second examined the bioprotective effect against the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Overall, the results showed that AMF inoculation of P. volubilis seedlings positively improved their development, particularly their biomass, height, and the leaf nutrient contents. When seedlings were exposed to M. incognita, plant growth was also noticeably higher for AMF-inoculated plants than those without AMF inoculation. Nematode reproduction was significantly suppressed by the presence of AMF, in particular R. variabile, and especially when inoculated prior to nematode exposure. The dual AMF inoculation did not necessarily lead to improved crop growth but notably improved P and K leaf contents. The findings provide strong justification for the development of products based on AMF as agro-inputs to catalyze nutrient use and uptake and protect crops against pests and diseases, especially those that are locally adapted to local crops and cropping conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Fungi and Their Role in Plant Growth)
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18 pages, 6191 KiB  
Article
Plant Growth Promotion and Biological Control against Rhizoctonia solani in Thai Local Rice Variety “Chor Khing” Using Trichoderma breve Z2-03
by Warin Intana, Nakarin Suwannarach, Jaturong Kumla, Prisana Wonglom and Anurag Sunpapao
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060417 - 11 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1756
Abstract
Several strains of Trichoderma are applied in the field to control plant diseases due to their capacity to suppress fungal pathogens and control plant diseases. Some Trichoderma strains also are able to promote plant growth through the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In [...] Read more.
Several strains of Trichoderma are applied in the field to control plant diseases due to their capacity to suppress fungal pathogens and control plant diseases. Some Trichoderma strains also are able to promote plant growth through the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). In southern Thailand, the local rice variety “Chor Khing” is mainly cultivated in the Songkhla province; it is characterized by slow growth and is susceptible to sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Therefore, this research aimed to screen Trichoderma species with the ability to promote plant growth in this rice variety and enact biological control against R. solani. A total of 21 Trichoderma isolates were screened for indole compound production using the Salkowski reagent. The Z2-03 isolate reacted positively to the Salkowski reagent, indicating the production of the indole compound. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPCL) confirmed that Z2-03 produced IAA at 35.58 ± 7.60 μg/mL. The cell-free culture filtrate of the potato dextrose broth (CF) of Z2-03 induced rice germination in rice seeds, yielding root and shoot lengths in cell-free CF-treated rice that were significantly higher than those of the control (distilled water and culture broth alone). Furthermore, inoculation with Trichoderma conidia promoted rice growth and induced a defense response against R. solani during the seedling stage. Trichoderma Z2-03 displayed an antifungal capacity against R. solani, achieving 74.17% inhibition (as measured through dual culture assay) and the production of siderophores on the CAS medium. The pot experiment revealed that inoculation with the Trichoderma sp. Z2-03 conidial suspension increased the number of tillers and the plant height in the “Chor Khing” rice variety, and suppressed the percentage of disease incidence (PDI). The Trichoderma isolate Z2-03 was identified, based on the morphology and molecular properties of ITS, translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1-α), and RNA polymerase 2 (rpb2), as Trichoderma breve Z2-03. Our results reveal the ability of T. breve Z2-03 to act as a plant growth promoter, enhancing growth and development in the “Chor Khing” rice variety, as well as a biological control agent through its competition and defense induction mechanism in this rice variety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Fungi and Their Role in Plant Growth)
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18 pages, 2099 KiB  
Article
Age-Related Conservation in Plant–Soil Feedback Accompanied by Ectomycorrhizal Domination in Temperate Forests in Northeast China
by Zhen Bai, Ji Ye, Shu-Fang Liu, Hai-Hong Sun, Zuo-Qiang Yuan, Zi-Kun Mao, Shuai Fang, Shao-Fen Long and Xu-Gao Wang
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050310 - 24 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1767
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of forest aging on ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community and foraging behavior and their interactions with plant–soil attributes. We explored EcM fungal communities and hyphal exploration types via rDNA sequencing and investigated their associations with plant–soil traits by comparing [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effects of forest aging on ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungal community and foraging behavior and their interactions with plant–soil attributes. We explored EcM fungal communities and hyphal exploration types via rDNA sequencing and investigated their associations with plant–soil traits by comparing younger (~120 years) and older (~250 years) temperate forest stands in Northeast China. The results revealed increases in the EcM fungal richness and abundance with forest aging, paralleled by plant–soil feedback shifting from explorative to conservative nutrient use strategies. In the younger stands, Tomentella species were prevalent and showed positive correlations with nutrient availability in both the soil and leaves, alongside rapid increases in woody productivity. However, the older stands were marked by the dominance of the genera Inocybe, Hymenogaster, and Otidea which were significantly and positively correlated with soil nutrient contents and plant structural attributes such as the community-weighted mean height and standing biomass. Notably, the ratios of longer-to-shorter distance EcM fungal exploration types tended to decrease along with forest aging. Our findings underscore the integral role of EcM fungi in the aging processes of temperate forests, highlighting the EcM symbiont-mediated mechanisms adapting to nutrient scarcity and promoting sustainability in plant–soil consortia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Fungi and Their Role in Plant Growth)
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