APPLICATIONS OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN AGROECOSYSTEMS

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi belong to phylum Glomeromycota, which are main component of the soil microbiota in most agroecosystems and form symbiotic association with most of the plants. By forming an extended, intricate hyphal network, AM fungi can efficiently absorb mineral nutrients from the soil and deliver them to their host plants in exchange for carbohydrates. They facilitate nutrient uptake, particularly with respect to immobile nutrients, such as phosphorus and enhance tolerance to drought, disease resistance, building up a macroporous structure of soil that allows penetration of water and air and prevents erosion, enhance photosynthesis and reduce stresses during micropropagation. Thus the present review focuses on nutritional and non-nutritional benefits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in agroecosystems.