Mohammed H. Abu-Dieyeh’s research while affiliated with Qatar University and other places

Halophytes, plants that thrive in high‐salinity environments, host unique microbial communities, including fungal endophytes, which contribute to plant growth and pathogen resistance. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and evaluate the antagonistic potential of fungal endophytes from the halophytic plant Limonium axillare, collected from both inland and coastal habitats. Fungal endophytes were isolated, identified via molecular techniques, and tested for antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi using dual‐culture assays. The results showed a diverse range of fungal endophytes, with Aspergillus and Cladosporium being the dominant genera. A total of 152 endophytic fungi were isolated from both locations, with 95 isolates coming from coastal plants and 57 from inland species. The isolates exhibited varying degrees of antagonistic activity against phytopathogens, highlighting their potential role in plant protection. Further research is needed to clarify these interactions' mechanisms and investigate their practical applications in agriculture. An endophytic isolate of Aspergillus terreus strain ((AL10) lim10qu) (ON210104.1) exhibited potent in vitro antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum, a pathogenic fungus affecting tomato plants. Greenhouse experiments demonstrated that the fungus significantly increased both the length of tomato seedlings and the overall plant biomass. Both laboratory‐based (in vitro) and field‐based (in vivo) evaluations of the strain ((AL10) lim10qu) (A. terreus) against F. oxysporum suggest the promising role of endophytes as effective biological control agents. Analysis using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry of the fungal extract detected around 100 compounds (secondary metabolites). In addition to gradually reducing the need for chemical fungicides, bio‐products can also contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Halophytes, a category of plants renowned for their ability to thrive in high soil salinity conditions, have garnered attention due to their resilience. However, a significant gap exists in our understanding of the endophytes associated with halophytes. This knowledge void coincides with a global call to explore eco-friendly compounds that can boost plant growth and act as alternatives to synthetic products. Recent studies have increasingly recognized plants as ‘biological factories’ with the ability to generate valuable and unique bioactive compounds. Despite this recognition, practical implementation faces a challenge in the slow growth rate of these plants. This impediment has prompted a closer examination of endophytes, microorganisms that symbiotically inhabit plants and algae. Interestingly, the exact understanding of the connection between endophytes and their host plants, including halophytes, is still unclear. Nonetheless, there is a commonly accepted belief that endophytes significantly contribute to the growth of plants. As a result, investigating endophytes originating from halophytes shows potential for providing significant advantages to the host plants. Notably, the fungi and bacteria that are affiliated with plants have been observed to have positive impacts, fostering growth and bolstering the overall well-being of the plants. Establishing internal bacterial or fungal populations within plants is a complex process, fraught with challenges that can impact the plant’s well-being. Despite these hurdles, recognizing and harnessing the potential of endophytes from halophytes may offer valuable insights and solutions for sustainable plant growth in salinity-stressed environments.

The book chapter elucidates the sophisticated relationship between salt-tolerant halophytes and their microbiomes, shedding light on the biological and ecological aspects of this association within the scope of adaptability and climate change. The chapter further highlights the mechanisms through which the halophytes have evolved to thrive in saline environments, showcasing their unique features and adaptations at different levels. It also describes the utilization of halophytes in agriculture, food, forage, and pharmaceutical industries due to their ability to grow in extreme environments. The chapter also addresses the consequences of climatic changes by referring to some studies. Based on the unique characteristics of halophytes, their use for preserving freshwater and restoring degraded land is also described. Overall, the book chapter contributes to the understanding of the significance of halophytes in our ecosystem, their interactions with microbiome, their possible utilization for multiple applications, and their mitigation with climate change.