Dark septate endophytes isolated from non-hyperaccumulator plants can increase phytoextraction of Cd and Zn by the hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens

Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) can improve plant stress tolerance by promoting growth and affecting element accumulation. Due to its ability accumulate high Cd, Zn, Ni concentrations in shoots, Noccaea caerulescens is considered a promising candidate for phytoextraction the field. However, of DSEs trace (TE) with N. has not yet been studied. The aim this study was therefore determine five DSE strains, previously isolated from poplar roots collected at different TE-contaminated sites, development, mineral nutrient status, metal accumulation during pot experiment using two soils differing their level TE contamination. Microscopic observations revealed that tested strains effectively colonised caerulescens. In highly contaminated (HC) soil, threefold increase root biomass found plants inoculated Leptodontidium sp. Pr30 strain compared non-inoculated condition; however, status affected. contrast, Phialophora mustea Pr27 Me07 had positive effects on without significantly modifying biomass. Compared cultivated HC Pr27- Pr30-inoculated extracted more Zn (+?30%) Cd (+?90%), respectively. conclusion, we demonstrated responses inoculation ranged neutral beneficial identified (i.e. (Pr30) (Pr27)) appeared as they increased amounts improving and/or These results generate interest further characterising naturally colonise testing phytoextraction.