ARCTIC ENDOPHYTES

Diversity and beneficial properties of bacterial endophytes of arctic plants

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Arctic and semiarctic ecosystems cover 22% of the earth's terrestrial surface. These environments are very sensitive to disturbance, and are likely to be deeply affected by the climate change. At the same time, arctic microbiology has identified diverse communities of bacteria adapted to low temperatures, and arctic microbiota has been recognized as an untapped resource for sustainable industrial, agricultural and pharmaceutical applications. Unfortunately, the research on microbial diversity in cold climates has not included endophytic bacteria of arctic plants. The diversity and role of endophytic bacteria in arcto-alpine ecosystems is virtually unknown, even though many important traits of arctic plants, such as cold tolerance, effective uptake and processing of nutrients, and resistance to pathogens and pollutants could be associated with endophytes. This project will explore the diversity of endophytic bacteria arctic plant species, and traits of endophytic bacteria with potential ecological role and applicational value by (1) Isolation of endobacterial communities from arctic plants, (2) Characterization of endobacterial community diversity by molecular methods (DGGE, clone libraries) and by endophyte isolation, and, (3) Screening for beneficial traits, like production or modulation of phytohormones, antagonism, nutrient mobilization and production of cold-active enzymes. The project will provide high-quality, novel data on an as yet completely uncharacterized aspect of arctic and subarctic biodiversity. It will broaden our understanding of plant adaptation to arctic environments and the role of endophytes therein. Additionally, the project will produce a collection of endophytic bacteria adapted to arctic conditions, that can be valuable in agriculture, forestry and in sustainable industrial applications. The fellowship will also enable the re-integration into science of the researcher, who is returning from child-care leave.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

A study of arctic biodiversity has advanced understanding of the biology of plants in arctic environments as well as of the adaptation role played by their endophytic bacteria.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

In all climates and ecosystems, plants are associated with a diverse range of microbes. Although arctic microbiology has identified communities of bacteria that adapt to low temperatures, there exists a gap in research on microbial diversity in cold climates as related to endophytic bacteria of arctic plants. The implications of this lack of knowledge are considerable considering that arctic microbiota have potential for sustainable agricultural, industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Reported beneficial traits of endophytic bacteria, which inhabit the internal plant tissues, include nutrient mobilisation, growth stimulation, detoxification of pollutants and biocontrol of plant pathogens.

The 'Diversity and beneficial properties of bacterial endophytes of arctic plants' (Arctic endophytes) project thus set out to explore the diversity of endophytic bacteria arctic plant species. The EU-funded research team was also interested in determining the traits of endophytic bacteria with regard to their potential ecological role and value in application.

Project partners characterised the taxonomic and functional diversity of endobacterial flora of three arcto-alpine plant species in north-western Scandinavia. They isolated endobacterial flora from plant samples collected from three sites and analysed endophyte community diversity and the functional diversity of cultureable endobacteria. The various techniques used included cultivation, DNA-based methods and activity assays.

Analyses of more than 350 bacterial endophyte isolates and other investigations revealed a high diversity of bacteria living in association with arctic plant species.

Various bacterial groups were discovered to be closely associated with specific plant species, and determined to be virtually absent from others. Another finding was that the bacterial strain Sphigomonas sp. showed divergent metabolic profiles from different plant hosts.

Arctic endophytes represents the first comprehensive study on endobacterial diversity in the Arctic; on the strength of its findings, the researchers will continue their work and expand its scope beyond the duration of the project.