The physiological response of Ectomycorrhizal fungus Lepista sordida to Cd and Cu stress

Ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF) can develop the resistance of host plants to heavy metal stress. However, little is known about the response of ECMF to heavy metal exposure. In this study, the growth and physiological indices of Lepista sordida under Cd and Cu stress were studied. The growth of L. sordida on PDA medium under Cd and Cu stress was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After the addition of Cd and Cu to the medium, the mycelium started twisting, breaking, sticking together, and even dissolving. In the control group, a good and luxuriant mycelium growth of L. sordida along with the numerous clamp connections was observed. The mycelial biomass decreased with increasing concentrations of heavy metals in a liquid medium. The catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities were also investigated, and the results showed that the Cd and Cu treatments caused a significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme activities. The contents of soluble protein, soluble sugar, and free proline in L. sordida were investigated, and it was found that the contents initially increased and then decreased with the increasing concentrations of Cd and Cu. However, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) increased with the increasing concentrations of Cd and Cu. In conclusion, the present study provides a theoretical basis for the better utilization of Ectomycorrhizal fungal resources for the remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metal.