Pasqualino Minotti

Dr. Pasqualino Minotti

University of Molise, Campobasso, Molise, Italy

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
29 March 2022 in Plants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CMCatello Di Martino
Catello Di Martino
VTValentina Torino
Valentina Torino
PMPasqualino Minotti
Pasqualino Minotti
LPLaura Pietrantonio
Laura Pietrantonio
CGCarmine Del Grosso
Carmine Del Grosso
Simona CarfagnaSimona Carfagna
Simona Carfagna
The aim of the work was to study the biological interference of the spontaneous colonization of pathogenic and saprophytic endophytes on the nitrogen assimilation of mycorrhized wheat plants cultivated in soils deficient in N and P. The nitrogen assimilation efficiency of mycorrhized plants was determined by measuring the activities of nitrate reductase assimilatory and glutamine synthetase enzymes and free amino acid patterns. Mycorrhizal plants at two different sites showed an assimilative activity of nitrate and ammonium approximately 30% greater than control plants. This activity was associated with significant increases in the amino acids Arg, Glu Gln and Orn in the roots where those amino acids are part of the inorganic nitrogen assimilation of mycorrhizal fungi. The nutrient supply of mycorrhizal fungi at the root guaranteed the increased growth of the plant that was about 40% greater in fresh weight and 25% greater in productive yield than the controls. To better understand the biological interaction between plant and fungus, microbiological screening was carried out to identify colonies of radicular endophytic fungi. Fourteen fungal strains belonging to nine different species were classified. Among pathogenic fungi, the genus Fusarium was present in all the examined roots with different frequencies, depending on the site and the fungal population present in the roots, providing useful clues regarding the principle of spatial conflict and fungal spread within the root system.