In the heart of Turkey, a humble herb known as Turkish oregano (Origanum onites L.) is gaining attention for its resilience and potential to thrive under drought conditions, thanks to a symbiotic relationship with a specific type of fungus. This discovery, published in the journal PeerJ, could have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in the production of essential oils used in biofuels and other applications.
The study, led by Mina Najafi from the Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition at Ege University in Izmir, Turkey, focuses on the effects of Funneliformis mosseae, an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), on the growth, nutrient uptake, and essential oil content of Turkish oregano under varying levels of drought stress.
Turkish oregano is a perennial herb renowned for its medicinal, cosmetic, and culinary uses. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties make it a valuable crop, but like many plants, it suffers under drought conditions, which can significantly affect its quality and yield. This is where AMF comes into play. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing growth and improving tolerance to abiotic stresses such as drought.
Najafi’s research involved a factorial experiment with eight treatments, combining different irrigation levels (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%) with and without AMF inoculation. The results were striking. AMF-inoculated plants showed significant improvements in fresh and dry weight, with increases of 11% and 16%, respectively, compared to non-inoculated controls. Moreover, these plants exhibited notable increases in potassium (+7%) and nitrogen (+12%) contents, as well as a 3% higher essential oil yield.
“The AMF inoculation significantly maintained plant biomass and nutrient uptake even under severe drought conditions,” Najafi explained. This finding is crucial for the energy sector, where the demand for sustainable and renewable resources is ever-increasing. Essential oils derived from plants like Turkish oregano are used in the production of biofuels, and improving their yield under drought conditions could make these processes more efficient and cost-effective.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its potential to shape future developments in sustainable agriculture. As climate change continues to pose challenges, finding ways to enhance crop resilience is paramount. AMF inoculation could be a game-changer, not just for Turkish oregano but for a wide range of crops. “Understanding how these fungi interact with plants can help us develop more robust and sustainable agricultural practices,” Najafi noted.
The study also highlighted that increasing water stress levels significantly decreased the number of AMF spores and the percentage of fungal colonization. However, even under these conditions, mycorrhizal inoculation maintained plant biomass and nutrient uptake comparable to full irrigation. This resilience was observed at 75%, 50%, and 25% irrigation rates, underscoring the potential of AMF as a biostimulant in drought-prone regions.
As the world seeks to transition to more sustainable energy sources, research like Najafi’s offers a glimpse into the future of agriculture. By harnessing the power of symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi, we can enhance crop resilience, improve yields, and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural practices. This could lead to more efficient production of essential oils, which are not only valuable in the energy sector but also in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
The findings, published in PeerJ, titled “Evaluation of Funneliformis mosseae inoculation effects on growth, nutrient uptake, and essential oil content in Turkish oregano under drought stress,” provide a solid foundation for further exploration. As we continue to face the challenges of climate change, such innovative approaches will be crucial in building a more sustainable and resilient future.