CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Abstract: Drought is a major threat to plant growth in many parts of the world. During periods ofdrought, multiple aspects of plant physiology are negatively affected. For instance, water shortagesinduce osmotic imbalance, inhibit photosynthesis, decrease nutrient uptake, and increases the productionof reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this context, it is necessary to develop sustainable strategiesfor crops that would help mitigate these conditions. In previous studies, endophytic Zopfiellaerostrata strains were found to extensively colonize plant roots, forming a profuse melanized myceliumin the rhizosphere, which could be involved in improving water uptake and nutrient mineralizationin plants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different strains of Z. erostrata onstress mitigation in wheat and tomato plants grown under water deficit conditions. General plantgrowth variables, as well as physiological and biochemical parameters, related to oxidative statuswere determined. Our data demonstrate that inoculation with both Zopfiella strains had a very significanteffect on plant growth, even under water deficit conditions. However, we observed an evenmore pronounced impact, depending on the plant and strain involved, suggesting a certain degreeof plant/strain compatibility. The biochemical aspects, the accumulation of proline, the oxidativedamage to lipids, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes varied considerably depending on theendophyte and the plant evaluated.

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