Free living amoebae could enhance Fusarium oxysporum growth

• Published in: Fungal ecology Vol. 8; pp. 12 - 17
• Main Authors: Cateau, E., Hechard, Y., Fernandez, B., Rodier, M.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acanthamoeba castellanii; Amoeba; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology; Free living amoebae; Fusarium oxysporum; Hartmanella; Life Sciences; Soil; Water; Water; Soil; Fusarium oxysporum; Free living amoebae
• ISSN: 1754-5048
• DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2013.12.006

Free living amoebae and Fusarium oxysporum can be recovered in the same environment and may potentially interact. The presence of these protozoa could lead to an increased development of this filamentous fungus. To assess this potential risk, the interactions between two free living amoebae, Acanthamoeba castellanii and Hartmanella vermiformis, and F. oxysporum, which can be isolated from soil and water, were studied. After 48 hr of coincubation in tap water, culturable fungi were quantified. In addition, the interactions between the free living amoebae and the fungus were investigated using electron microscopy. We show that the presence of amoeba trophozoites increased the growth of F. oxysporum without fungal influence on amoebae viability. In the same way, incubation of the fungus with culture supernatants of the two amoebae induced fungal germination and increased fungal growth. The results of this study confirm that the presence of amoebae should be taken into consideration in the different environments where they may be in contact with Fusarium. •F. oxysporum growth is increased by A. castellanii and H.vermiformis•Amoebae supernatants also increase fungal growth.•Amoebae supernatants enhance conidial germination.