Inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for production systems: science meets business

Abstract

The development of an industrial activity producing microbial inocula is a complex procedure that involves for companies not only the development of the necessary biotechnological know-how, but also the ability to respond to the specifically related legal, ethical, educational, and commercial requirements. At present, commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inocula are produced in nursery plots, containers with different substrates and plants, aeroponic systems, or, more recently, in vitro. Different formulated products are available on the market, which creates the need for the establishment of standards for widely accepted quality control. Progress should be made towards registration procedures that stimulate the development of the mycorrhizal industry. Biotechnology science linked to this industrial activity needs to be reinforced, particularly with regards to (i) the development of molecular probes for monitoring arbuscular mycorrhizal inocula in the field, (ii) increasing knowledge on the ecophysiology of AM fungi in anthropogenically disturbed ecosystems and on the interactions of AM fungi with other rhizosphere microbes, and (iii) selection of new plant varieties with enhanced mycorrhizal traits and of AM fungi with new symbiotic traits. However, one of the main tasks for both producers and researchers is to raise awareness in the public about potentials of mycorrhizal technology for sustainable plant production and soil conservation.Key words: Glomeromycota, biotechnology, quality control, legal aspects, commercial aspects.

Development of Carrier Based in Vitro Produced Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungal Inocula for Organic Agriculture

“…they must grow in symbiosis with living host plant roots in order to complete their life cycle and to produce infective propagules. AM fungal inoculum is presently produced in a variety of ways utilizing in vitro, greenhouse, or field-based methods [4][5][6]. The in vitro method comprises of monoxenic culture of sterilized AM fungal spores with Ri T-DNA transformed carrot roots [7].…”

Estimation of AM fungal colonization — Comparability and reliability of classical methods

“…In recent years much attention has been paid to large-scale production and to the research of the applicability of AMF as bioprotectors or biofertilizators [12] either in agricultural management, forestry and natural ecosystems. Quality control with continuous monitoring based on investigation of colonization properties must be part of a high quality inoculum production process [13].…”

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Chemical Fertilizer on Growth and shoot nutrients content of Onion under Field Condition in Northern Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

“…The fungi form a symbiotic association with host plant thereby improving the plants growth through acquisition of soil nutrients via their extramatrical hyphae. Other benefits of AMF for sustainable crop production are, resistance to environmental stress and biological control of root pathogens (Gianinazzi and Vosátka, 2004;Vosátka and Albrechtova, 2008). Furthermore, complementary effect of AM fungi as an alternative for reducing fertilizer need of major crop species were reported (Mosse, 1981;Lindermann and Davies, 2004).…”