Comprehensive insight into arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,Trichodermaspp. and plant multilevel interactions with emphasis on biostimulation of horticultural crops

Abstract

Sustainability and a more environment-friendly approach is an emerging issue relevant to crop production. Abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, heat, cold or heavy metal pollution can severely compromise yields, and in this respect, plant protection practices should be highly efficient as well as safe for the environment and people. Among the many ways to achieve high productivity of healthy, safe and tasty food, the use of beneficial micro-organisms as biostimulants is the most promising one. Two types of soil fungi can be considered efficient natural plants stimulants: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma spp. (TR). Generally, most investigations indicated AMF and TR were effective, as well as safe, for use as natural biopreparations dedicated to horticultural crops, although some reports pointed to their negative impact on plants. This review focuses on the mutual interaction of AMF and TR, as well as complex relationships with plants analysed on a multidimensional level: biochemical, morphological, ecological and agrotechnical. AMF and TR were found to be effective elicitors of root system development, nutrient uptake, plant stress response and production of secondary metabolites. As natural plant stimulants, beneficial fungi are compatible with modern trends of crop management, environmental conservation and functional food production. Herein, we demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of AMF and TR use in horticulture and their prospects, as well as the points that need further exploring.

An Endophytic Trichoderma Strain Promotes Growth of Its Hosts and Defends Against Pathogen Attack

“…Recently, Metwally and Al-Amri (2020) showed an interactive role of Trichoderma viride and AMF on growth and pigment content of onion plants, however, due to the small number of AMF−Trichoderma-host plant combinations that have been investigated so far, general conclusions on those tripartite interactions are not possible (cf. Szczałba et al, 2019). Those studies are important for a successful biocontrol agent, as Trichoderma species are also competitors of beneficial microbes (Sood et al, 2020), which could impair plant growth or yield.…”

How Do Trichoderma Genus Fungi Win a Nutritional Competition Battle against Soft Fruit Pathogens? A Report on Niche Overlap Nutritional Potentiates

“…This is an important matter, since organic soft fruit production has been increasing constantly in recent years and has also enlarged its market share in worldwide food production [ 6 ]. Strawberry, raspberry and blueberry fruits are often included as crucial products of central Europe, with a seemingly endless increase in consumer demand to introduce organic methods of fruit cultivation.…”

The Impacts of Domestication and Agricultural Practices on Legume Nutrient Acquisition Through Symbiosis With Rhizobia and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

“…One of the well-known beneficial effects of TR to plants is the solubilization of Pi by acidification, chelation or redox activities to improve the Pi availability to the plant. The benefits of AMF and TR to crop growth have been comprehensively reviewed (Szczałba et al, 2019).…”