Reviewing bryophyte-microorganism association: insights into environmental optimization

Abstract

Bryophytes, the second-largest group of plants, play a crucial role as early colonizers of land and are a prolific source of naturally occurring substances with significant economic potential. Microorganisms, particularly bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi form intricate associations with plants, notably bryophytes, contributing to the ecological functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and sometimes it gives negative impact also. This review elucidates the pivotal role of endophytic bacteria in promoting plant growth, facilitating nutrient cycling, and enhancing environmental health. It comprehensively explores the diversity and ecological significance of fungal and bacterial endophytes across various ecosystems. Furthermore, it highlights the moss nitrogen dynamics observed in select moss species. Throughout the review, emphasis is placed on the symbiotic interdependence between bryophytes and microorganisms, offering foundational insights for future research endeavors. By shedding light on the intricate bryophyte-microorganism associations, this study advances our understanding of the complex interplay between plants, microbes, and their environment, paving the way for further research and applications in environmental and biotechnological realms.

Keywords: bacterial and fungal endophytes; bryophyte; microorganism; nitrogen dynamics; symbiotic association.

Figure 1

Flow diagram of article analysis [adapted from Chen and Nelson (2022)].

Figure 2

Association of fungi with bryophytes in Junagadh, Gujarat, India. (A) Terricolous habitat of bryophyte depicting the association with fungi, (B) Corticolous habitat of bryophyte depicting the association with fungi on the bark of Carissa carandas L.

Figure 3

Anthoceros sp. (hornwort) thallus inhabiting Nostoc colonies; (A) Thallus of Anthoceros sp., (B) circle indicates the dark spot of Nostoc, (C) T.S. of thallus in light microscope (100X).

Figure 4

(A–L) Colonization and degradation (inducing chlorosis and host death) of Funaria hygrometrica by Atradidymella muscivora. (B, D) lactofuchsin mount; (F, H) wet mount. Vegetative hypha directly penetrating host rhizoid. Scale bar = 10 μ m. (B) Tip of protonematal filament colonized by A. muscivora. The fungus produced an appressorium (white arrowhead) [taken from Davey et al. (2009)].