Title: AM fungi and potential applications
Abstract:
AM Fungi represent one of the most critical components for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management due to their ability to establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots.
AMF belonging to Glomeromycota are obligate biotrophic in nature now revealing as a very strong symbiotic microbes associated with almost every land plant. This association is nature’s one of the association benefiting mutually both partners. AMF are an eco-friendly biological sustainable materials that can provide several benefits in agroecosystems.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiotic associations with 80% of terrestrial plant species, playing a vital role in sustainable agriculture. AMF function as microbial biostimulants, significantly enhancing nutrient uptake (particularly phosphorus and nitrogen), water absorption, and plant stress tolerance against salinity, drought, and heavy metals. These fungi improve overall plant health.
These fungi improve soil structure and fertility by fostering enzymatic activity and microbial diversity, facilitating nutrient cycling, and altering root architecture. Recent studies highlight their potential as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers, reducing environmental damage while improving crop yield and resilience. However, their potential remains underutilized due to regulatory, ecological, and application challenges.
AMF are particularly effective in addressing challenges posed by climate change, including water stress and soil degradation, making them indispensable for crops such as rice, grapevines, and medicinal plants. Beyond nutritional support, AMF contribute to bioprotection, antagonizing soil-borne pathogens and enhancing plant defense mechanisms through induced phytohormonal changes and secondary metabolite production. Their application in viticulture, for instance, demonstrates their capacity to mitigate water stress and improve pathogen resistance.
Exploration of the role of strigolactones (SLs) in promoting AM symbiosis is very important research. SLs regulate microbial interactions in the rhizosphere and can inhibit root parasitic weeds. Advances in SL mimics and biosynthesis inhibitors offer promising avenues for improving AM applications while reducing phytotoxic chemical inputs.
AM-inoculated plants exhibit a 49% increase in growth under drought conditions, with notable improvements in root and shoot biomass and phosphorus uptake. Additionally, dual inoculation of AM fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhances drought tolerance through physiological and biochemical modifications, offering a sustainable strategy for arid regions.
Auxin-mediated regulation is another critical mechanism for AM symbiosis. Auxin levels, impacts arbuscule formation and mycorrhization efficiency. Such molecular insights can optimize AM applications across diverse crops.
Furthermore, lipid metabolism plays a vital role in AM responses to abiotic stress. Lipid transfer between plants and fungi supports symbiosis, while stress-induced disruptions in lipid metabolism reduce AM efficacy. A lipid-centric perspective is essential for understanding stress responses and enhancing AM resilience.
Mycorrhizal technology is promising sustainable tool now being utilized as potential industrially beneficial prospective biotechnology. Despite these advances, further research is essential to standardize AMF application across diverse soil and climatic conditions. Integrating AMF into agricultural systems offers a promising path toward sustainable food security, improved crop productivity, and reduced dependency on chemical inputs.
AM inoculants face inconsistencies in field applications and lack standardized regulations globally, which limits their efficacy and adoption.