Preface ixnew genus in this family. The authors also explored the antifungal activity of
three isolates, two of which belong to the family Xylariaceae (LGMF1119 and
LGMF1133) and one belongs to the genus Nigrospora (LGMF1121) that
inhibited Phyllosticta citricarpa mycelium growth and pycnidia formation in
vitro assays.
Chapter 4 – Dark septate endophytes (DSE) constitute a very
heterogeneous group of Ascomycetes characterized by a septate and melanized
mycelium. Inside, tissues show intra- and intercellular development and are
able not only to generate mantle and Hartig net but also to produce typical
intracellular structures (microsclerotia), all without causing apparent damage
to the plant. DSE were previously thought to be restricted to infertile boreal or
alpine habitats, where arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi cannot persist. However,
in recent years DSE have been found extensively distributed in polluted areas
around the world, supporting a growing body of evidence that points to a
prominent ecological role, even when these organisms have not been studied
from the physiological role of a host-fungi perspective. It has been
hypothesized that DSE dominance as root endophytes might relate to their
melanised cell walls, known to play an important function in heavy metal
immobilization by sequestration. In addition to the improved nutritional
performance associated with mycorrhizal fungi, this capacity provides the
plant with an extra feature. Due to the promising role on ecological
reforestation of the DSE, further research is needed, including new approaches
(molecular, histological and physiological) that will allow to better
characterize the relationship between these fungi and plants growing in
polluted areas.