春兰根中可分泌吲哚乙酸的内生细菌多样性

植物内生细菌可通过分泌吲哚乙酸(Indole-3-aceticacid,IAA)等方式促进植物生长。本研究以温室盆栽春兰(Cymbidium goeringii)为材料,采用分离培养方法对春兰根中可分泌IAA的内生细菌多样性进行了研究。从春兰根组织中共分离纯化得到了256株内生细菌,其中57株具有分泌IAA的能力,占总菌数的22.3%。根据ARDRA(amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis)及16SrDNA系统发育分析结果,将57株内生细菌划分为25个组,分属于6大类群,分别为变形菌门的α-变形菌纲(35.1%)、γ-变形菌纲(14.0%)和β-变形菌纲(8.8%)、厚壁菌门(33.3%)、放线菌门(7.0%)及拟杆菌门(1.8%)。其中变形菌门的α-变形菌纲和厚壁菌门为优势类群,类芽孢杆菌属(Paenibacillus)为优势菌属,且为高产IAA的主体菌属。另外,测序结果显示有4个菌株的序列与已知细菌的最高序列相似性低于97.0%,可能为潜在的新种或新属。研究结果表明春兰根中分泌IAA的内生细菌具有丰富的多样性。这一结果可为研究和开发植物促生细菌提供基础资料...     

Screening plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for improving growth and yield of wheat

AIMS: Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are commonly used as inoculants for improving the growth and yield of agricultural crops, however screening for the selection of effective PGPR strains is very critical. This study focuses on the screening of effective PGPR strains on the basis of their potential for in vitro auxin production and plant growth promoting activity under gnotobiotic conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: A large number of bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of wheat plants grown at different sites. Thirty isolates showing prolific growth on agar medium were selected and evaluated for their potential to produce auxins in vitro. Colorimetric analysis showed variable amount of auxins (ranging from 1.1 to 12.1 mg l-1) produced by the rhizobacteria in vitro and amendment of the culture media with l-tryptophan (l-TRP), further stimulated auxin biosynthesis (ranging from 1.8 to 24.8 mg l-1). HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of indole acetic acid (IAA) and indole acetamide (IAM) as the major auxins in the culture filtrates of these rhizobacteria. A series of laboratory experiments conducted on two cv. of wheat under gnotobiotic (axenic) conditions demonstrated increases in root elongation (up to 17.3%), root dry weight (up to 13.5%), shoot elongation (up to 37.7%) and shoot dry weight (up to 36.3%) of inoculated wheat seedlings. Linear positive correlation (r = 0.99) between in vitro auxin production and increase in growth parameters of inoculated seeds was found. Based upon auxin biosynthesis and growth-promoting activity, four isolates were selected and designated as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Auxin biosynthesis in sterilized vs nonsterilized soil inoculated with selected PGPR was also monitored that revealed superiority of the selected PGPR over indigenous microflora. Peat-based seed inoculation with selected PGPR isolates exhibited stimulatory effects on grain yields of tested wheat cv. in pot (up to 14.7% increase over control) and field experiments (up to 27.5% increase over control); however, the response varied with cv. and PGPR strains. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the strain, which produced the highest amount of auxins in nonsterilized soil, also caused maximum increase in growth and yield of both the wheat cv. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: This study suggested that potential for auxin biosynthesis by rhizobacteria could be used as a tool for the screening of effective PGPR strains.     

Analysis of rhizobacterial communities in perennial Graminaceae from polluted water meadow soil, and screening of metal-resistant, potentially plant growth-promoting bacteria

This study investigates the impact of long-term heavy metal contamination on the culturable, heterotrophic, functional and genetic diversity of rhizobacterial communities of perennial grasses in water meadow soil. The culturable heterotrophic diversity was investigated by colony appearance on solid LB medium. Genetic diversity was measured as bands in denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) obtained directly from rhizosphere soil and rhizoplane DNA extracts, and from the corresponding culturable communities. In the two rhizospheric fractions the DGGE profiles of the direct DNA extracts were similar and stable among replicates, whereas in the enriched cultures the profiles of the fractions differed, but among the replicates they were similar. One hundred isolates were collected into 33 different operational taxonomic units by use of amplified internal transcribed spacers and into 19 heavy metal-resistant phenotypes. The phylogenetic position of strains belonging to 18 operational taxonomic units, representing more than 80% of the isolates, was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Several heavy metal-resistant strains were isolated from rhizoplane. Finally, metal-resistant rhizobacteria were tested for plant growth-promoting characteristics; some were found to contain 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase and/or to produce indole acetic acid and siderophores. Two strains resistant to cadmium and zinc, Pseudomonas tolaasii RP23 and Pseudomonas fluorescens RS9, had all three plant growth-promoting characteristics. Our findings suggest that bacteria can respond to soil metal contamination, and the described methodological approach appears promising for targeting potential plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.     

云南省高等植物多样性与分布状况

云南省为我国乃至世界生物多样性的热点区域之一.为深入认识和保护云南的植物多样性,作者以《云南植物志》为基础,对其中记载的各物种在云南的县级分布情况进行了统计.结果显示:云南省高等植物多样性最丰富的为滇西北地区,其中的玉龙县、贡山县、香格里拉县物种数分别高达4,358种、3,981种和3,874种,其次为以西双版纳州为主体的南部热带边缘,其中的勐腊、景洪的物种数也都在3,000种以上;而以云南高原为主体的滇东和滇中地区植物多样性则较为贫乏,作者认为这与人们的关注度和野外调查的强度直接相关.云南分布有4,008种特有物种,4,509种狭域物种,特有物种的分布规律与总物种相似;含狭域物种最多的为贡山县(556种),是唯一超过500种的县.云南省多数物种的分布范围极为狭窄,64.1％的物种仅分布在1-5个县,46.0％的特有物种只分布在1个县的范围内.通过以上分析,作者指出由于此前对云南植物多样性的调查仍不完善,结果并不能全面反映真实的地带性规律,建议加大调查深度和标本采集量.如果条件许可,一些极易沦为濒危种的狭域分布种也应得到优先关注.     

滇南片断热带雨林植物物种多样性变化趋势

采用群落样方（５０×５０ｍ）调查分析法,探讨滇南西双版纳曼仰广龙山片断热带雨林群落中木本植物物种多样性１９５９～１９９１年间的变化趋势。结果表明,该片断森林经３０多年的演化,物种数变化不大,但物种多样性指数降低２４％。在片断热带雨林中,物种的消失率与新增率虽相对平衡,但由于物种的生物学、生态学特性不同,呈现明显的消长变化趋势,即：在群落的不同层次中,物种消失率和新增率都是乔木（Ａ．Ｂ．Ｃ）＜灌木（Ｄ）,在乔木层中则是Ａ＜Ｂ＜Ｃ;就物种的不同确限度而言,消失率和新增率都是特征种＜适宜种＜随遇种＞外来种。此外,本研究认为群落内小气候由“凉湿效应”向“干暖效应”转化,是片断热带雨林物种多样性变化的一个重要环境因素。     

我国丛赤壳类真菌分类研究

丛赤壳类真菌是具有经济重要性的生物类群。该文回顾了我国该类分类研究的简史,概述近年来取得的相关研究进展,揭示我国该类真菌的物种丰富程度,展示建立在分类学基础上的真菌DNA条形码探索以及分子系统学研究成果,表明资源和分类研究与真菌天然产物研究联手的新发现。     

Two species of Lirula on Abies from Yunnan, Southwest China

Based on a recent investigation of species of the Rhytismatales in the eastern Himalayas in China, two species of Lirula on Abies were found, one of which is described as a new species, Lirula yunnanensis, which differs from Lirula japonica mainly by ascomatal structure and conidiomatal features, while the other is Lirula exigua, a new record for China. An analysis of the combined sequences of ITS + LSU r DNA showed that Lirula macrospora and Lophodermium piceae were closely related and that Lirula yunnanensis and Lophodermium autumnale were grouped together. The genus of Lirula should be redefined based on more molecular data. Lirula exigua was distantly related to Lirula species and its systematic position has to be confirmed by further molecular data. A key for known species of Lirula worldwide is provided.     

Salt-tolerant and plant growth-promoting bacteria isolated from Zn/Cd contaminated soil: identification and effect on rice under saline conditions

The bacteria of PDMCd0501, PDMCd2007, and PDMZnCd2003 were isolated from a Zn/Cd contaminated soil. They were classified as salt-tolerant bacteria in this experiment. The bacteria had indole-3-acetic acids (IAA) production, nitrogen fixation, and phosphate solubilization, under 8% (w/v) NaCl condition. Biochemical test (API 20E) and 16S rDNA sequencing identified PDMCd2007 and PDMCd0501 as Serratia sp. and PDMZnCd2003 was Pseudomonas sp. The effect of Pseudomonas sp. PDMZnCd2003 on the germination and seedlings of Oryza sativa L.cv. RD6 was determined under a salinity of 0–16 dS/m. The salinity levels of 4–16 dS/m affected to decrease germination and seedlings of rice. Comparison between uninoculated and inoculated system, however, Pseudomonas sp. PDMZnCd2003 had a negative impact on the rice growth. This unexpected effect was a case that should be concerned and studied further before application as a plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB).     

Isolation and characterization of plant growth-promoting strain Pantoea NII-186. From Western Ghat Forest soil, India

Aims:  To isolate plant growth-promoting bacterium from Western Ghat forests in India.
Methods and Results:  A Gram-negative, rod shaped, cream white coloured strain Pantoea NII-186 isolated from Western Ghat soil sample. The taxonomic position of the bacterium was confirmed by sequencing of 16S rRNA and phylogenetic analysis. A strain grew at a wide range of temperature ranging from 5–40°C, but optimum growth was observed at 28–30°C. It showed multiple plant growth-promoting attributes such as phosphate solubilization activity, indole acetic acid (IAA) production, siderophore production and HCN production. It was able to solubilize (28 μg of Ca₃PO₄ ml⁻¹ day⁻¹), and produce IAA (59 μg) at 28°C. The solubilization of insoluble phosphate was associates with a drop in the pH of the culture medium. Pantoea sp. NII-186 tolerate to different environmental stresses like 5–40°C, 0–7% salt concentration and 4–12 pH range.
Conclusions:  The 16S rRNA gene sequence confirmed that the isolate NII-186 was belongs to Pantoea genus and showed considerable differences in physiological properties with previously reported species of this genus. Isolate NII-186 possessed multiple attributes of plant growth-promoting activity.
Significance and Impact of the Study:  Hence in the context it is proposed that Pantoea sp. NII-186, could be deployed as an inoculant to attain the desired plant growth-promoting activity in agricultural environment.     

The endophytic system of mediterranean Cytinus (cytinaceae) developing on five host Cistaceae species

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: One of the most extreme manifestations of parasitism is found in the genus Cytinus, a holoparasite whose vegetative body is reduced to an endophytic system living within its host root. There are two species of Cytinus in the Mediterranean, C. hypocistis and C. ruber, which parasitize various genera of Cistaceae, one of the most characteristic families of the Mediterranean scrublands. The aim of this work is to describe the endophytic systems of C. hypocistis and C. ruber, and their tissue relationships with their host. METHODS: Roots from five different hosts infected with C. hypocistis and C. ruber were harvested, and examined by anatomical techniques under light microscopy to elucidate the characteristics of the endophytic system of Cytinus, and to determine if differences in endophytic systems occur between the two species and in response to different hosts. KEY RESULTS: The endophyte structure is similar in both Cytinus species irrespective of the host species. In the initial stages of the endophyte, rows of parenchymal cells spread through the host pericyclic derivatives and phloem, and begin to generate small nodules in the outermost region of the host xylem. Later the nodules anastomose, and bands of parasitic tissue are formed. The host cambium continues to develop xylem tissue, and consequently the endophyte becomes enclosed within the xylem. The bands of parasitic tissue fuse to form a continuous sheath. This mature endophyte has well-developed vascular system with xylem and phloem, and forms sinkers with transfer cells that grow through the host xylem. CONCLUSIONS: The endophytic system of Cytinus develops in all host root tissues and reaches its most mature stages in the host xylem. It is more complex than previously reported, showing parenchyma, xylem and phloem tissues. This is the first report of well-developed phloem in a holoparasitic endophytic species.     

中国特有的三种榆科植物枝条内生真菌菌群多样性

为了解我国特有的3种古老的野生榆科植物内生真菌菌群多样性及探讨同一生境条件下内生真菌菌群在不同植物之间的组成特征,以安徽琅琊山国家森林公园内的野生青檀、琅琊榆和醉翁榆的当年生健康枝条为研究对象,采用组织分离法和形态分类学方法对其内生真菌进行了分离和鉴定。结果表明,从3种榆科植物的1 778个组织块中,分离内生真菌1 938株,隶属于10目16科22属,未产孢的一类暂归为无孢菌群,占10.2%。3种榆科植物均是以子囊菌类所占比例最高(80.72%–89.71%),目级水平以肉座菌目Hypocreales的相对多度最高,科级水平以间座菌科Diaporthaceae的相对多度最高,属级水平以拟茎点霉属Phomopsis的相对多度最高。琅琊榆枝条中分离的内生真菌菌群最多(14属),醉翁榆菌群最少(10属)。内生真菌菌群组成在3种榆科植物之间存在宿主特异性。Shannon指数(H′)从高到低的顺序为:青檀琅琊榆醉翁榆,Margalef指数(R)从高到低的顺序为:琅琊榆青檀醉翁榆,均匀度指数(E)从高到低的顺序为:青檀醉翁榆琅琊榆。琅琊榆和醉翁榆之间的内生真菌菌群组成相似度最高,相似性系数达0.62,青檀和琅琊榆的相似性系数最低(C_S=0.44)。费舍尔检验(Fisher’s exact test)表明,3种榆科植物在内生真菌菌群组成上无明显差异(P=0.26‐0.500.05)。     

The effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the phytoextraction of Cd and Zn by Brassica napus L.

The test strains Bacteroidetes bacterium (Ba), Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf) and Variovorax sp. (Va) were selected in advance for their in vitro capability for growth promotion of rapeseed in the presence of increased concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the medium. In the pot experiment, the strains were used for single Ba, Pf, Va or combined Ba + Pf, Ba + Va, Pf + Va, and Ba + Pf + Va inoculation of B. napus growing in contaminated soil from alluvial deposits. The positive effect of bacterial strains on plant growth was observed in vitro, but was not confirmed in situ in the contaminated soil, where the tested strains inhibited biomass production, rather than stimulating it. However, single inoculation with Ba significantly increased the chlorophyll content and K⁺ concentration in the leaves. The inoculation of rapeseed with Ba and Va strains was indicated to be the most promising combination for phytoextraction of Cd and Zn from contaminated soil. Combined inoculation with Pf+Va and Pf + Ba+Va significantly decreased the concentration of heavy metals in the roots of rapeseed. We conclude that suitable combinations of PGPR can control the metal uptake of B. napus, selectively increasing either metal extraction or metal stabilization in the rhizosphere and offering promising applications in soil remediation.     

Diversity and antimicrobial activity of endophytic fungi isolated from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, a well-known medicinal plant of India

Endophytic fungi from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis were isolated and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity. A total of 19 endophytic fungi were isolated from 400 segments of healthy leaf and stem tissues of N. arbor-tristis. Eighteen endophytic fungi were obtained from leaf, while only ten from stem. Alternaria alternata had the highest colonization frequency (15.0%) in leaf, whereas Cladosporium cladosporioides ranked first in stem with a colonization frequency of 12%. The diversity and species richness were found higher in leaf tissues than in stem. The similarity indices between leaf and stem were 0.473 for Jaccard’s and 0.642 for the Sorenson index, respectively. Of 16, 12 (75%) endophytic fungal extracts showed antibacterial activity against either one or more pathogenic bacteria. The endophytic Nigrospora oryzae showed maximum inhibition against Shigella sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The leaf endophytes Colletotrichum dematium and Chaetomium globosum exhibited a broad range of anibacterial activity and were active against Shigella flexnii, Shigella boydii, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella paratyphi, and P. aeruginosa. Nine out of 16 (56.25%) endophytic fungi exhibited antifungal activity to one or more fungal pathogens. Colletotrichum dematium inhibited 55.87% of the radial growth of the phytopathogen Curvularia lunata. The antimicrobial activity of these endophytic microorganisms could be exploited in the biotechnological, medicinal, and agricultural industries.     

Plant growth-promoting traits of epiphytic and endophytic yeasts isolated from rice and sugar cane leaves in Thailand

A total of 1035 yeast isolates, obtained from rice and sugar cane leaves, were screened primarily for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. Thirteen isolates were selected, due to their IAA production ranging from 1.2 to 29.3 mg g⁻¹ DCW. These isolates were investigated for their capabilities of calcium phosphate and ZnO₃ solubilisation, and also for production of NH₃, polyamine, and siderophore. Their 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, catalase and fungal cell wall-degrading enzyme activities were assessed. Their antagonism against rice fungal pathogens was also evaluated. Strain identification, based on molecular taxonomy, of the thirteen yeast isolates revealed that four yeast species – i.e. Hannaella sinensis (DMKU-RP45), Cryptococcus flavus (DMKU-RE12, DMKU-RE19, DMKU-RE67, and DMKU-RP128), Rhodosporidium paludigenum (DMKU-RP301) and Torulaspora globosa (DMKU-RP31) – were capable of high IAA production. Catalase activity was detected in all yeast strains tested. The yeast R. paludigenum DMKU-RP301 was the best IAA producer, yielding 29.3 mg g⁻¹ DCW, and showed the ability to produce NH₃ and siderophore. Different levels of IAA production (7.2–9.7 mg g⁻¹ DCW) were found in four strains of C. flavus DMKU-RE12, DMKU-RE19, and DMKU-RE67, which are rice leaf endophytes, and strain DMKU-RP128, which is a rice leaf epiphyte. NH₃ production and carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity was also detected in these four strains. Antagonism to fungal plant pathogens and production of antifungal volatile compounds were exhibited in T. globosa DMKU-RP31, as well as a moderate level of IAA production (4.9 mg g⁻¹ DCW). The overall results indicated that T. globosa DMKU-RP31 might be used in two ways: enhancing plant growth and acting as a biocontrol agent. In addition, four C. flavus were also found to be strains of interest for optimal IAA production.     

The effect of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the growth,physiology, and Cd uptake of Arundo donax L.

In this study, plant growth-promoting potential isolates from rhizosphere of 10 weed species grown in heavy metal-contaminated areas were identified and their effect on growth, antioxidant enzymes, and cadmium (Cd) uptake in Arundo donax L. was explored. Plant growth-promoting traits of isolates were also analyzed. These isolates were found to produce siderophores and enzymes such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, and aid in solubilization of mineral nutrients and modulate plant growth and development. Based on the presence of multiple plant growth-promoting traits, isolates were selected for molecular characterization and inoculation studies. Altogether, 58 isolates were obtained and 20% of them were able to tolerate Cd up to 400 ppm. The sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA genes indicates that the isolates belong to the phylum Firmicutes. Bacillus sp. along with mycorrhizae inoculation significantly improves the growth, the activity of antioxidants enzymes, and the Cd uptake in A. donax than Bacillus alone. Highly significant correlations were observed between Cd uptake, enzymatic activities, and plant growth characteristics at 1% level of significance. The synergistic interaction effect between these organisms helps to alleviate Cd effects on soil. Heavy metal-tolerant isolate along with arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) could be used to improve the phytoremedial potential of plants.     

云南熊蜂地理区划及物种多样性分析

【目的】为了探究云南省熊蜂属的地理分布和物种多样性特点。【方法】基于2009-2018年在云南采集的35种5655号熊蜂标本信息,利用经纬度0.5°×0.5°方格内的物种组成分析云南境内熊蜂的地理区划,利用方格内物种数量分析物种丰富度,根据所采集的标本数量分析云南境内熊蜂的物种多度。【结果】云南省熊蜂属区系可划分为云南高原(Ⅰ)和横断山区(Ⅱ)2个大区,其中,云南高原包括西部-中部亚热带中山峡谷区(Ⅰ1)、南部热带低山宽谷区(Ⅰ2)、东南部亚热带岩溶山地河谷区(Ⅰ3)、东部亚热带高原谷盆区(Ⅰ4)和东北部亚热带中山河谷区(Ⅰ5)5个小区,横断山区又可分为西部亚热带高山峡谷区(Ⅱ1)、中部温带高山峡谷区(Ⅱ2)和西北部高寒草甸区(Ⅱ3)3个小区。在云南8个地理小区中,Ⅱ3的熊蜂物种丰富度最高(20种),其次为Ⅰ3、Ⅱ2、Ⅰ1、Ⅰ5、Ⅰ4和Ⅱ1,Ⅰ2最低(3种)。横断山区的物种数量明显高于云南高原,其中(27.00°-27.50°N,99.50°-100.00°E)小格是云南境内物种丰富度最高的区域(18种)。弗里熊蜂Bombus friseanus和短头熊蜂B. breviceps是云南境内的优势蜂种,这2种熊蜂的个体数量接近云南境内35种熊蜂总数量的50%;相反,中华熊蜂B. chinensis、雀熊蜂B. richardsiellus和贝拉熊蜂B. bellardii等物种在云南境内则非常稀有。【结论】受地形和气候的影响,云南熊蜂地理分布特征明显,境内优势种较少,稀有种较多,应该加强保护力度。     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with the Meliaceae on Hainan island, China

Species richness, spore density, frequency of occurrence, and relative abundance of AM fungi were determined in rhizosphere soil samples from nine tropical rainforest sites on Hainan island, south China, and the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) status of members of the Meliaceae was examined. All 28 plant taxa investigated (25 species including two varieties of 1 species and three varieties of another) were colonized by AM fungi. The mean proportion of root length colonized was 56% (range 10–95%). Vesicles were observed in 27 and hyphal coils in 26 of the 28 plant taxa. Mycorrhizas were of the Paris-type or intermediate-type, with no Arum-type mycorrhizas observed. Species richness of AM fungi varied from 3 to 15 and spore density from 46 to 1,499 per 100 g rhizosphere soil. Of 33 AM fungal taxa in five genera isolated and identified, 18 belonged to Glomus, 9 to Acaulospora, 1 to Entrophospora, 2 to Gigaspora, and 3 to Scutellospora. Acaulospora and Glomus were the dominant genera identified. Glomus claroideum was the taxon most commonly isolated, with a frequency of occurrence of 56.5% and relative abundance of 10.4%. A positive correlation was found between percentage of root length colonization and species richness. However, there was no correlation between spore density and percentage of root length colonized by AM fungi.     

Diversity of fungi associated with plants growing in geothermal ecosystems and evaluation of their capacities to enhance thermotolerance of host plants

Diversity and heat-adaptation of endophytic fungi (EF) and rhizospheric fungi associated with plants growing in geothermal ecosystems, Southwest China, as well as their benefit in improving host plant thermotolerances were investigated. A total of 1589 culturable fungi belonging to 38 taxa were isolated, in which Curvularia, Acrophialophora, Penicillium, and Aspergillus were the dominant genera. The Shannon indices of EF and rhizospheric fungi ranged from 1.80 to 2.56 and 0.73 to 2.11, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the EF have a close relationship with rhizospheric fungi. However, some fungi exhibited apparently species-specific habitat distribution patterns. Growth temperature tests indicated that 60.22% of the tested isolates were thermotolerant fungi and only 39.78% were mesophiles, and the number of heat-adapted fungi increased with increasing environmental temperatures. The strain G1-29, which was isolated from the roots of Hedyotis diffusa and identified as Curvularia crepinii, significantly improved host plant thermotolerance under laboratory conditions: the death rate of endophyte-infected plants was significantly lower than that of endophyte-free plants (t-test, p?=?.0158, df?=?4). Our results suggested that the EF and rhizospheric fungi associated with plants growing in geothermal ecosystems are diverse, and many of them have adapted to the high environmental temperatures. Some fungi have come to be the dominant endemic inhabitants of specific niches, and some played an important role in improving host plant thermotolerances.