Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Biotechnology and its applications

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) are one of the widely distributed types of fungi forming symbiotic associations with almost all land plants. The beneficial association of these Glomalean fungi from the phylum Glomeromycota with plant roots dates back to about 460 million years ago, making it the most ancient type of symbiosis. These fungi constitute a crucial functional group of the soil micro-biome by determining the efficacy of agro-ecosystem through formation of a close interface between soil and plant roots. The extra-radical mycelial network associates with plant roots to take up resources from nutrient depletion zones (especially P) in the soil and in turn receive carbohydrates from the host plant, thus influencing plant productivity, diversity and ecosystem sustainability. The symbiosis plays a key role in nutrient cycling (C, N, P), plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, formation of stable soil aggregates, and various other ecosystem functions, making it important in restoration and conservation of disturbed lands. Advances in the scientific understanding on AM symbiosis have enhanced the potential for implementation of AM biotechnological approaches in different ecosystem processes. However, it is important to support further developments for production of efficient AM inocula and its application in biofertilization of crops to guide sustainable efforts. In this chapter, various strategies for AM inoculum production including pot cultures (soil based) and in vitro culture and its application in production of fruit, vegetable and plantation crops and floriculture are discussed.