Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and plant health

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are ubiquitous in nature and represent the oldest and most widespread symbiosis with land plants thereby constituting a vital component of terrestrial ecosystems including horticulture and agro based ecosystems. AM fungi prominently facilitate in uptake of nutrients especially phosphorus (P) uptake in plants by the extra-radical mycorrhizal hyphae leading to better plant growth and development, but they can also perform several other functions that are equally beneficial. AM fungi improve nutrient cycling and soil quality by formation of soil aggregates thus controlling soil erosion by a better plant rooting capacity, influence plant biodiversity, help protect against pests and diseases, increase plant establishment and survival at seeding or transplanting, enhance flowering and fruiting, increase crop yield and quality, improve tolerance to drought and soil salinity, and improve the growth of plants in nutrient deficient soils or polluted environments. This study discusses AM fungal inoculum production and multiplication, role and applications of AM fungi in growth of agro-economically important plants including vegetable crops, fruit crop plants and ornamental plants.