Purification of a 47-kDa calmodulin-binding polypeptide as an actin-binding protein from Neurospora crassa

We have enriched a 47-kDa polypeptide (p47) from Neurospora crassa on the basis of its affinity to calmodulin. The p47 was purified to homogeneity by chromatography on a Mono S cation exchange column and evidence is presented that the polypeptide co-sediments specifically with F-actin. The intracellular distribution of p47 and actin was also examined using indirect double immunofluorescence staining of cells at different stages of development. Our results suggest that by altering the conformation binding site of actin to p47, calmodulin could play a regulatory role in the polarized hyphal growth of N. crass

The role of intact extraradical mycelium in managing indigenous arbuscular mycorrhiza

Arbuscular colonisation (AC) of the second plant in a succession starts earlier and develops faster if the extraradical mycelium of the arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) associated with the first plant is kept intact and is the preferential propagule type. When abiotic or biotic stressors are present in the soil, the benefits conferred by the AMF are greatly enhanced. Thus, under manganese (Mn) toxicity, compared with any other type of AMF propagule, the presence of an intact ERM enhanced AC by 1.82 and 3.3 times, in wheat and subterranean clover, respectively, 21 days after planting (DAP). In consequence, the growth of both crops was more than doubled and was significantly correlated with a reduction in the Mn concentration of shoots of wheat and in the roots of subterranean clover. However, when the first plant in the succession was a member of the Fabaceae (Ornithopus compressus L.) shoot growth of both crops increased by 1.6 times relative to that determined if the first plant was from the Poaceae (Lolium rigidum L.), even though no differences were observed in AC or Mn concentration. These results seem to be associated with the AMF assemblage in the roots of the first plant that was passed to the second plant when the ERM was kept intact; whatever was the combination of plant families. The presence in the soil of an intact ERM also induced better growth of tomato plants (3.2 times at 21 DAP) after infection with Fusarium oxysporum (109 conidia/plant)

Using cover crops to stimulate mycorrhization of grapevine

Cover crops stimulate the development of microbial communities such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). In the BIOVINE project cover crops are tested to promote AMF communities associated with grapevine roots

Almighty Cover Crops

Fungal pathogens are able to produce inoculum (spores) on plant debris present on the soil surface of vineyards. These spores can then reach plant surfaces and cause severe grapevine infections when environmental conditions are favourable. The capacity of plant diversity to increase the resistance of crops towards pests and invasive species is very well-known. For instance, Brassica spp. have been already investigated for their capacity to effectively suppress soil-borne inoculum of some causal agents of Black-foot disease in grapevines in vineyard soils. It may also have positive effect on the some dagger nematodes. Cover crops also stimulate the development of microbial communities such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Many management strategies have been developed against these important grapevine pathogens, but the effects of soil cover vegetation or organic mulching against spore dispersal, acting as a barrier, have been scarcely explored. Thus, in the BIOVINE project (www.biovine.eu) specific experiments were planned in order to verify the possibility of using cover crops: i) to control some relevant pathogens producing inoculum (spores) on plant debris present on the soil surface of vineyards; ii) to determine the presence of causal agents of Petri disease of grapevines on the roots of cover crops; iii) to promote mykorrhizal communities associated with grapevine roots; iv) to control arthropod pests (repellent of arthropods or attracting beneficials); v) to investigate Brassica plants effect on the soil-borne pest nematode Xiphinema index

Molecular detection and monitoring of fungal plant symbionts

International audienc

Arbuscular mycorrhiza biotechnology and water quality preversation

National audienc

Les mycorhizes à arbuscules, technologie pour l'amélioration de la production végétale

International audienc

Sampling strategies and bias associated with the methods

International audienc