Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Formation and Stability of Aggregates in Two Types of Soil

Abstract

Knowledge of native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and their relationship with the edaphic characteristics where they live is important to establish the influence of allochthonous AMF, which were inoculated, on the development and stability of soil aggregates. The objectives of this research were to know the composition of native AMF species from two contrasting soils, and to establish the development and stability of aggregates in those soils with corn plants after inoculating them with allochthonous AMF. The experiment had three factors: Soil (two levels [S1 and S2]), HMA (three levels: without application [A0], with the application of Claroideoglomus claroideum [A1] and with the application of a consortium [A2]) and Fertilization (two levels (without fertilization [f0] and with fertilization [f1])). Twelve treatments were generated, with five replicates (60 experimental units [EU]). The EU consisted of a pot with a corn plant and the distribution was completely random. The results demonstrated that the Typic Ustifluvent presented nine species of native AMF, while the Typic Dystrustert had three; the native AMF in each soil influenced the activity of allochthonous AMF, such as their colonization and sporulation. Likewise, differences were found in the stability of macro-sized aggregates (0.5 to 2.0 mm).

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi elevate maize plant tolerance to Antimony, enhancing the nutritive value of seeds

“…The results demonstrate successful symbiotic colonization of maize roots by AMF, leading to significant improvements in plant growth compared to non-inoculated plants (Table 1, Figure 1). This is in line with previous findings [11,21] that AMF inoculation enhances vegetative development through improved water and nutrient uptake. Sb treatment impact negatively AMF colonization, including reduction in hyphal length, and arbuscules number (Table 1), which was consistent with existing literature on the detrimental effects of heavy metals on AMF growth, mostly through inhibiting the germination of spores and preventing them to infect a suitable host root and or through disrupting colonization process after host contact [22] .…”

“…These fungi establish symbiotic relationship with most land plants, enhancing plant resilience to environmental stressors, such as heavy metals by promoting growth and reducing metal leaching [1] As an obligatory biotroph, AMF supply plants with vital nutrients and water, receiving photosynthates in return, thereby not only improving nutrition and hydration but also offering protection against soil-borne pathogens, [9]. The ability of AMF to mitigate heavy metal toxicity is attributed to their extensive hyphal network, which extends beyond the root zones, effectively reducing the concentration and leaching of toxic metal like Cd, Zn and Pb [11]. The organic compounds they release, such as polysaccharides and proteins, further enhance soil adsorption of heavy metals, thus reducing their bioavailability [12,13].…”

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Adjusts Root Architecture to Promote Leaf Nitrogen Accumulation and Reduce Leaf Carbon–Nitrogen Ratio of Mulberry Seedlings

“…It is well known that mycorrhizal plants can effectively contribute to the management of unrecovered rocky desertified areas. An extensive mycelial network, formed through symbiotic interactions between plants and AMF, aids in the uptake of nitrogen from microscopic soil pores [8], which are inaccessible to the root system and impassable. This process heightens the plant's competitiveness with soil microorganisms for nitrogen.…”