Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

The coevolution of mycorrhizae with plants represents a major evolutionary adaptation to the land environment. As a bioinoculant, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a beneficial role in sustainable agriculture by symbiotically associating with many crop plants. In this review, we primarily focus on the nutritional and non-nutritional functionality of AMF in soil and plant productivity. AMF maintain soil quality and health via three aspects: soil structure, plant physiology, and ecological interactions. These lead plants to increase their functionality, further growth, and productivity. The formation of soil aggregates via glomalin production maintains the soil structure. Physiologically, AMF change nutrient acquisition and thereby increase soil fertility and productivity. Biotic (pathogens and weed plants) and abiotic (salinity, drought, extreme temperature, soil pH, and heavy metals) stress alleviation is also achieved via altering a plant’s physiological status. By serving as a biocontrol agent, AMF negatively interact with plant pathogens. As a result of beneficial interactions with other rhizosphere microorganisms and above-ground organisms, AMF induce a synergistic effect on plant performance. Moreover, they are also involved in land restoration and seedling establishment. The collective effect of all these functions positively influences overall plant performance and productivity.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus changes alfalfa (Medicago sativa) metabolites in response to leaf spot (Phoma medicaginis) infection, with subsequent effects on pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) behavior

“…In a word, AM fungus alters the interrelationship of ecosystem components such as plant, pathogen and herbivore. AM fungi reportedly have a positive role in pest management (Kalamulla et al ., 2022) and yield enhancement (Baum et al ., 2015) of agricultural crops. Further research of the complex plant responses to AM fungi could enhance our understanding of trait combinations important to plant fitness in multi‐species interactions.…”

Interactive impact of potassium and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the root morphology and nutrient uptake of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

“…Considering more complex and uncertain environmental factor existing in field, and environmental factor (soil types, soil acidity, carbon: nitrogen: phosphorus ratio in soil, climate, etc.) could affect the functional effect of AMF in the agricultural field ( Kalamulla et al, 2022 ), further studies will be conducted to investigate whether K application and CE inoculation improve root morphology and yield production in field experiments, which will contribute to more scientific application of AMF in sweet potato cultivation.…”

“…Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could live in a mutualistic symbiosis with plant roots of the majority (> 80%) of terrestrial plant species ( Kalamulla et al, 2022 ; Seemakram et al, 2022 ). Sweet potato was easily colonized by mycorrhizal fungi ( O’Keefe and Sylvia, 1993 ; Minemba et al, 2019 ).…”

Advancing Soil Health: Challenges and Opportunities in Integrating Digital Imaging, Spectroscopy, and Machine Learning for Bioindicator Analysis

“…For example, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) boost plant growth by aiding nutrient exchange. 9 Rhizobacteria enhance plant health by aiding nitrogen fixation and promoting growth and crop yields. 10,11 Protists and protozoa balance the soil food web by regulating other organisms.…”

“…High soil microbial abundance and diversity indicate a well-balanced and healthy soil ecosystem, capable of performing various functions such as nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. For example, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) boost plant growth by aiding nutrient exchange . Rhizobacteria enhance plant health by aiding nitrogen fixation and promoting growth and crop yields. , Protists and protozoa balance the soil food web by regulating other organisms .…”