In: Endophytic Fungi ISBN: 978- 1 - 53610 - 341 - 0
Editor: Evelyn Hughes © 201 7 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Chapter 4
DARK SEPTATE ENDOPHYTES (DSE)
IN POLLUTED AREAS
Elena Fernández-Miranda Cagigal*
Faculty of Biology, Department of Biology of Organism and Systems,
Area of Plant Physiology University of Oviedo, Oviedo, SpainABSTRACT
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- Corresponding Author: Email: [email protected], Tel.: +34985104835, Fax:
+34985104867.