Abstract
In the understanding of the molecular interaction between plants and
their microbiome, a key point is to identify simplified models of the
microbiome including relevant bacterial and fungal partners which could
also be effective in plant growth promotion. Here, as proof-of-concept,
we aim to identify the possible interactions between symbiotic
nitrogen-fixing rhizobia and soil fungi (Trichoderma spp.), hence shed
light on synergistic roles rhizospheric fungi could have in the
symbiotic nitrogen fixation with host plants. We selected 4 strains of
the model rhizobium Sinorhizobium meliloti and 4 Trichoderma species (T.
velutinum, T. tomentosum, T. gamsii and T. harzianum). In an
experimental scheme of 4 x 4 strains x species combinations, we
investigated the rhizobia physiological and transcriptomic responses
elicited by fungal spent media, as well as spent media effects on
rhizobia-host legume plant (alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.) symbiosis.
Fungal spent media had large effects on rhizobia, specific for each
fungal species and rhizobial strains combination, indicating a general
rhizobia genotype x fungal genotype interaction. Differential expression
of a high number of genes was shown in rhizobia strains. Moreover,
changes in rhizobia exopolysaccharide and auxin production were
identified in response to fungal spent media. Different rhizobium-fungus
combinations were also shown to have synergistic effects on alfalfa
symbiotic phenotypes. Our results provide a first insight into
interactions involving nitrogen-fixing rhizobia and rhizospheric fungi,
highlighting the panoply of genes and genotypic interactions (fungus,
rhizobium, host plant) which may concur to plant symbiosis.