The endogenous fungus Colletotrichum endophyticum from Korean epimedium Nakai promoted the growth of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana
摘要
Korean Epimedium Nakai, a traditional medicinal plant, harbors abundant endophytic fungi with significant potential for promoting plant growth and regulating development. This study aimed to investigate the growth-promoting effects and mechanisms of the endophytic fungi from Korean Epimedium Nakai using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant. Three functional strains, namely Y6 (Colletotrichum changpingense), Y8 (Colletotrichum endophyticum), and Y11 (Colletotrichum cobbittiense), were identified based on their abilities in nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, siderophore production, and indoleacetic acid secretion abilities. Co-cultivation with Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that the taproot length and lateral root number were significantly higher in the Y8 treatment group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities increased by 57.756%, 40.326%, and 53.346%, respectively (p < 0.05). Strain Y8 upregulated the levels of pyridoxal, 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan, and glucobrassicin by modulating metabolic pathways such as flavonoids. Conversely, kaempferol and quercitrin were significantly downregulated, which played a synergistic role in enhancing plant defense capabilities and adjusting energy metabolism strategies, thereby promoting plant growth.This study elucidated the impact of the endophytic fungus Y8 on Arabidopsis thaliana growth, offering new insights into the regulatory roles of plants and growth-promoting bacteria in microbial metabolism.