IF A PATHOGENIC FUNGI(PF) IS MORE EFFICIENT IN REMEDIATION OF HEAVY METAL AND AROMATIC HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATED SOIL AS COMPARED TO NON PATHOGENIC FUNGI(NPF) THEN HOW I CAN REDUCE ITS PATHOGENIC EFFECT?
Hi,
First you can do a gene profiling of the fungal species to identify a particular gene or if there are any multiple genes are responsible for the pathogenecity. Then try a knock out experiment targeting of that gene of pathogenicity and check further for any sign of pathogenicity. After that if there is no such indication you can try out to check the efficacy of heavy metal tolerance, as making any such knock out mutant might affect other physiological functions. Also, it is suggested to do a soil metagenomic profiling before and after the mutant application in soil system to identify any microbial community changes due to the mutant in role. The knock out species must not hamper the normal microbial community in its vicinity while being applied for soil remediation.
Arnab's answer is very good if you are allowed to release a knocked-out organism. However, it really depends what the pathogen is. Some pathogens can't persist very long away from their hosts and wouldn't persist in the soil for long periods; that could be a good thing if you wanted the fungus to remediate and then die. Others are good saprophytes and weak pathogens and might not really be a problem, depending on what was growing on the site. If the pathogen is a good saprophyte AND a strong pathogen, then you have a problem.
Common practice in countries where the use of microorganisms for soil remediation is regulated is such, that pathogenic and potentially pathogenic microorganisms must not be used for soil remediation.
Also the use of GMO for remediation pusrposes is restricted for example in the EU.
Best regards
Vit
In site sequencing of fungal populations (NGS) during different years (2-3) may be helpful as site conditions where nutrients are unevenly distributed is better for fungi than bacteria due to their strategies like forming mycelia that conduct oxygen in their interior and sporulating in different times.
@vit mateju thankyou sir. I have one more question can I use Trichoderma for the remediation, as this fungus is non pathogenic also it has fertilizer properties?
According to my opinion you can use Trichoderma. Ferilizer properties are not a problem.
Best regards
Vit
@vitmateju thankyou sir. Thanks much for providing me more information.
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