Immuno-tools to characterize novel symbiotic fungus: Piriformospora indica

An axenically cultivable mycorrhiza-like-fungus-Piriformospora indica has been described by Verma and his coworkers from the desert soils of North-West of India (Verma et al., 1998). It is cultivable on large scale on several synthetic media and also they do colonize the roots of the wide range of hosts (Varma et al., 1999). Piriformospora indica mimics several morphological and functional capabilities of typical Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi studied so far. This fungus promises to serve as a substitute of AM fungi to overcome a long-lasting enigma of science.

The axenically cultivable plant growth promoting root endophyte has been characterized. Based on the 18S and 28S rDNA analysis and the ultrastructure of the septal pore, its phylogenetic relationship is within the Hymenomycetes (Basidiomycota). The properties of the fungus, P. indica, have been patented (Varma and Franken, 1997, European Patent Office, Muenchen, Germany. Patent No. 97121440.8–2105, Nov. 1998). The culture has been deposited at Braunsweich, Germany (DMS No. 11827). 18S rDNA fragment deposited with GenBank AF 014929.