Fungus Boosts Rice Growth By Changing Root Function And Plant Signals

Jim Crocker
19th June, 2025

Fungus Boosts Rice Growth By Changing Root Function And Plant Signals

Treatment with the fungus Leucocalocybe mongolica (strain LY9) visibly promoted the growth of rice (Oryza sativa), leading to enhanced tillering (a), more developed root systems (b), and darker green leaves (c) compared to untreated controls.

Image adapted from: Duan et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • A study from Zhaotong University found that a fungus called LY9 significantly boosts rice growth, making it a promising natural alternative to chemical fertilizers
  • LY9-treated soil improved nutrient availability, leading to healthier rice plants with more shoots, longer roots, and triple the chlorophyll
  • The fungus works by changing plant gene activity and increasing natural growth hormones like auxin, enhancing the plant's own growth processes
The global agricultural system faces a critical challenge: how to feed a growing population while minimizing environmental harm and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Traditional farming methods, heavily dependent on chemical inputs, often lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and health risks. This pressing need for sustainable and eco-efficient approaches has driven research into natural alternatives, particularly the use of beneficial microorganisms that can enhance crop productivity and resilience[2]. A recent study by researchers at Zhaotong University has shed light on a promising solution: the fungal species Leucocalocybe mongolica, referred to as LY9[1]. This fungus has shown remarkable capabilities in promoting plant growth without the need for additional fertilizers, making it a significant subject for sustainable agriculture. The study specifically investigated how soil treated with LY9 affects the growth and development of rice, a staple crop for a large portion of the world's population. The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis, examining the physical and chemical changes in the soil, the visible characteristics of the rice plants, and the intricate molecular processes occurring within them. They treated soil with varying concentrations of LY9 (10%, 30%, and 50%) and compared the results to untreated control groups. A key finding was that LY9-transformed soil significantly improved the availability of nutrients, which are essential building blocks for plant life. The benefits to the rice plants were clear and dramatic. Rice grown in LY9-treated soil exhibited enhanced phenotypic characteristics, meaning observable improvements in their physical traits. For instance, the plants showed a substantial increase in tillering – the process where new shoots sprout from the base of the plant, leading to more grain-producing stems. Tillering increased from 9 tillers in control plants to an impressive 20.29 tillers in treated plants. Root length also saw a significant boost, growing from 42 cm to 52.5 cm, indicating a more robust root system capable of absorbing more water and nutrients. Furthermore, the chlorophyll content – the green pigment vital for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy – more than tripled, from 0.38 mg/g to 1.21 mg/g. These improvements collectively point to a healthier, more productive plant. The study delved deeper into the molecular mechanisms behind these observed benefits. Using advanced techniques like transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis, the researchers uncovered the internal changes occurring within the rice plants. Transcriptomic analysis, which examines gene activity, revealed significant alterations in genes related to the plant's primary and secondary metabolism. Specifically, 2,612 genes were found to be upregulated (more active), and 3,419 were downregulated (less active). Pathway analysis highlighted modifications in crucial areas such as nitrogen metabolism, photosynthesis, hormone signaling (which influences growth and tillering), and the biosynthesis of cell walls and amino acids. Metabolomic profiling, which identifies and quantifies small molecules within the plant, showed substantial increases in key amino acids, alkaloids, and phytohormones in the roots of LY9-treated rice. Phytohormones are natural plant hormones that regulate growth and development. Notably, tryptophan and its derivatives, which are precursors for auxin (a vital plant growth hormone), showed more than a twofold increase. This suggests that LY9 enhances the plant's ability to produce its own growth-promoting hormones. These findings strongly align with and expand upon previous research into beneficial microorganisms. For example, the concept of 'plant-growth-promoting fungi' (PGPF) has been well-established[3]. PGPF, including species like Trichoderma spp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, are known to enhance crop production by improving root and shoot growth, seed germination, chlorophyll production, and overall yield. Their modes of action include mineralizing essential elements, producing phytohormones, and inducing resistance against pathogens and abiotic stresses. The current study on LY9 provides a concrete example of a PGPF exhibiting these very benefits, particularly in nutrient availability and phytohormone production. The broader context of sustainable agriculture, as discussed in earlier studies, emphasizes the need for microbial-based bioformulations that can complement or even replace mineral fertilizers[2]. LY9's ability to promote significant growth without fertilizers directly addresses this need, offering a truly eco-friendly bioagent. While some research focuses on the synergistic effects of microbes with mineral fertilization, LY9 demonstrates a powerful standalone capability. The importance of improving the use of mineral nutrients sustainably is paramount, and innovative integrated plant nutrient management systems, based on biological resources like LY9, are highly required[2]. Furthermore, the impact of fungi on soil health and plant productivity is not a new concept. Studies have shown how fungi, such as those forming Agaricus fairy rings, can stimulate plant growth by enhancing soil aggregation and influencing the structure and function of soil microbial communities[4]. While the LY9 study did not specifically detail changes in soil aggregation or the bacterial community, the observed improvements in nutrient availability in LY9-transformed soil suggest that this fungus, like others, likely modifies the soil environment in ways that benefit the plant, potentially including physical changes or shifts in the broader microbial populations. In conclusion, the Zhaotong University study on Leucocalocybe mongolica (LY9) provides compelling evidence for its potential as a sustainable soil amendment. By demonstrating its ability to significantly improve rice growth through enhanced nutrient uptake, altered gene expression, and increased production of vital plant hormones, the research offers valuable insights into the molecular basis of plant-fungal interactions. This work reinforces the critical role of beneficial fungi in achieving more productive and environmentally sound agricultural practices.

BiochemPlant ScienceMycology

References

Main Study

1) Leucocalocybe mongolica Fungus Enhances Rice Growth by Reshaping Root Metabolism, and Hormone-Associated Pathways

Published 16th June, 2025

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12284-025-00813-4

Related Studies

2) Soil Microbial Resources for Improving Fertilizers Efficiency in an Integrated Plant Nutrient Management System.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01606

3) Fungi That Promote Plant Growth in the Rhizosphere Boost Crop Growth.

https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9020239

4) Effects of Agaricus lilaceps fairy rings on soil aggregation and microbial community structure in relation to growth stimulation of western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) in Eastern Montana rangeland.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-013-0194-3


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