Inoculation with the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis modulates the relationship between root growth and nutrient content in maize (Zea mays ssp. mays L.)

Abstract

Plant root systems play a fundamental role in nutrient and water acquisition. In resource‐limited soils, modification of root system architecture is an important strategy to optimize plant performance. Most terrestrial plants also form symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to maximize nutrient uptake. In addition to direct delivery of nutrients, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi benefit the plant host by promoting root growth. Here, we aimed to quantify the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis on root growth and nutrient uptake in maize. Inoculated plants showed an increase in both biomass and the total content of twenty quantified elements. In addition, image analysis showed mycorrhizal plants to have denser, more branched root systems. For most of the quantified elements, the increase in content in mycorrhizal plants was proportional to root and overall plant growth. However, the increase in boron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, and strontium was greater than predicted by root system size alone, indicating fungal delivery to be supplementing root uptake.

Flint maize root mycorrhization and organic acid exudates under phosphorus deficiency: Trends in breeding lines and doubled haploid lines from landraces

“…1). AMF colonization, a typical response to coping with P deficiency in native environments and crops ( Smith et al, 2011), modulates the relationship between root growth and nutrient acquisition in maize ( Ramírez‐Flores et al, 2019). In our conditions, AMF formation was restricted to one soil mix where it was analyzed in more detail.…”

Unlocking the Mycorrhizal Nitrogen Pathway Puzzle: Metabolic Modelling and multi-omics unveil Pyrimidines’ Role in Maize Nutrition via Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Amidst Nitrogen Scarcity

“…The reference maize genotype B73, for which the genome was fully sequenced, represents the reference genome for the maize species (Schnable et al ., 2009). Additionally, B73 is known be responsive to AMF, resulting in increased biomass (Ramírez-Flores et al ., 2019; Berger and Gutjahr, 2021). Lo3, was selected due to its enhanced biomass response following inoculation with R. irregularis.…”

Exploring the potential of endophyte-plant interactions for improving crop sustainable yields in a changing climate

“…The success of the mutualistic relationship depends on many factors, such as the combination of plant-fungi genotypes, their molecular and metabolic regulation, and soil characteristics (pH, structure, moisture), nutrient availability, and colonization rate. Different plant genotypes, under controlled conditions, may respond differently to AM in terms of plant growth and yield, as shown in crops such as maize ( Zea mays L.) ( Ramírez-Flores et al., 2019 ) and sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) ( Watts-Williams et al., 2019 ), or in terms of stress resistance, as demonstrated in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) ( Chareesri et al., 2020 ) and bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) ( Lehnert et al., 2018 ). The results of these studies represent milestones for future breeding programs, supporting more sustainable agriculture.…”