Dark septate endophytic fungi (DSE) response to global change and soil contamination

Abstract

As a consequence of global change, distribution of species and interaction between organisms are altered. Organisms share their environment with hundreds of species, some of them displaying pathogenic, neutral, or benefic behavior. Due to the adapting ability of organisms to live in diverse natural scenarios, they present a wide array of responses to climate change and soil contamination. Some biological interactions, like plant-insect subjected to diverse environmental conditions, have been moderately well explained. However, plant-fungus associations have received less attention, particularly plant-dark septate endophytic fungi (DSE) relationship. Since DSE may reduce plant infection by pathogens, increase nutrient uptake, and reduce the detrimental effects of stressful environments allowing plant to establish in adverse environments, changes in plant-DSE interactions could have important consequences for ecosystem function. In this chapter, we summarize current knowledge on how global change, including anthropic contamination, global warming, concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, and drought or heavy rainfall events, affects plant-DSE interactions. Understanding the specific responses of DSE will allow us to focus on possible lines of research that in a near future will help to develop tolerance to climate change.