Airborne Fungus Can Trigger Plant Growth

A harmless airborne fungus, Cladosporium sphaerospermum strain TC09 (TC09), can dramatically accelerate plant growth if a germinating plant is near the fungus as it emits volatiles or gases.

Pepper plants. Photo: Desi Min/Unsplash

Scientists used tobacco and pepper plants as models to study the conditions for accelerated plant growth once exposed to TC09. Following a relatively short duration of exposure at the seedling stage, the plants began to sense the fungi's volatiles and gases.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists were then able to stimulate extremely rapid plant growth, earlier flowering and fruit yield increases.

"This is a game-changer for agriculture and for research that seeks innovative ways to accelerate plant growth," said USDA Scientist Dr. Chris Dardick. "Its implications are far-reaching and will help ARS' commitment to deliver cutting-edge scientific advances for American farmers and producers."

The effects of TC09 were largely correlated with the duration of exposure. Visual observation indicated that plants with TC09 exposure for 10 days exhibited substantially more vigorous growth, thicker stems, larger leaves, and a more robust root system relative to plants without fungal exposure.

Results also showed that treated plants flowered 20 days sooner and pepper plants yielded up to 213 percent more fruit that was ready for harvest three weeks earlier than untreated controls.

More recent studies have shown similar research results for numerous other crops such as lettuce, arugula, kale, basil, and other leafy greens.

This species of fungus is commonly found in indoor environments and is not known to cause disease in plants or any ailments in humans or animals.

Also, unlike other microbial species that have been tested, the researchers showed that TC09 does not induce defense or stress responses in exposed plants. Scientists hope to identify the specific volatiles and gases that stimulate plant growth in future research.

Research on microbial biostimulants that enhance plant growth has recently intensified because they provide an eco-friendly, cost-effective and sustainable strategy to benefit agriculture. (Agricultural Research Service)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Smartphones to aid in treatment of dengue patients

Ordinary smartphone cameras are capable of accurately determining the hydration severity of dengue patients (...)

Fast-warming Arctic transitioning to new climate state

Year-to-year variability is moving outside the bounds of past fluctuations.

Tree rings show scale of Arctic pollution is worse than previously thought

The largest-ever study of tree rings from Norilsk in the Russian Arctic has shown that the direct and indirect effects of industrial pollution in the region and beyond are far worse than previously thought.

Velcro-like food sensor detects spoilage and contamination

Color-changing array of silk microneedles could help protect consumers and avoid food waste.

Study suggests at least 11 fish species are able to walk on land

A team of scientists has identified at least 11 species of fish suspected to have land-walking abilities.

Analysis determines we are in Solar Cycle 25

The solar minimum between Solar Cycle 24 and 25 happened in December 2019, when the 13-month smoothed sunspot number fell to 1.8, according to the Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel.