Drought stress remains a critical barrier to agricultural sustainability, especially in arid regions like Iran where grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivation suffers significant yield loss. A recent study published in Plant Cell Reports (2025) demonstrates a novel biological approach to mitigate water deficit stress using the fungal metabolite Aspergillus niger strain ZRS14.
Researchers from the University of Kurdistan applied A. niger ZRS14 culture filtrates at different growth phases (48, 72, 120 hours) to grapevine plantlets grown under PEG-induced drought stress. The results were striking — the fungal filtrate boosted chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, POD, APX), and significantly reduced oxidative damage markers such as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde.
Advanced statistical analyses (PCA and HCA) confirmed the biochemical improvements in plant resilience, showing strong differentiation between treated and untreated groups. GC–MS profiling revealed several antioxidant compounds in the ZRS14 filtrate, including 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, ionol (BHT), and methyl palmitate — molecules known to stabilize cell membranes and quench reactive oxygen species.
This pioneering research introduces A. niger ZRS14 as a promising fungal biostimulant capable of enhancing drought tolerance without the need for direct plant–fungus symbiosis. Its metabolite-driven mechanism could pave the way for eco-friendly, fungal-based formulations to improve crop resilience in dry climates and support sustainable viticulture under climate change.
Reference
Moslemi Nezhad Arani, P., Mozafari, A. A., Ashengroph, M., & Daneshfar, F. (2025). Improving drought stress resilience in grapevine using Aspergillus niger strain ZRS14 under in vitro conditions. Plant Cell Reports, 44(11), 241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00299-025-03630-7
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