The role of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in agriculture and the selection of fungi for inoculation

1982 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 389 ◽  
Author(s):  
LK Abbott ◽  
AD Robson
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Va Mycorrhizas ◽  
Vesicular Arbuscular ◽  
Field Soils ◽  
Va Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Mycorrhizal Roots

Vesicular arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizas are roots infected with particular soil fungi which form symbiotic associations. It is often assumed that VA mycorrhizal fungi could be used to increase the efficiency of phosphate fertilizers in agriculture. Our principal concern is the question: 'Can the symbiosis be exploited on a large scale?'. VA mycorrhizas increase nutrient uptake, and hence plant growth, by shortening the distance that nutrients must diffuse through soil to the root. Mycorrhizal roots do not appear to have a lower threshold concentration of nutrients for absorption from solution than do non-mycorrhizal roots. Most soils contain VA mycorrhizas. Hence, for plant growth to respond to inoculation with VA mycorrhizal fungi, agricultural soils must have either a low incidence of indigenous VA mycorrhizal fungi or alternatively, species which are less effective than the inoculant fungi in their ability to stimulate nutrient uptake by plants. The distribution of species of VA mycorrhizal fungi varies with climatic and edaphic environment, as well as with land use. However, the factors which control their distribution are poorly understood. Differences among VA mycorrhizal fungi in their ability to increase nutrient uptake appear to be due to differences in their ability to form mycorrhizas rapidly and extensively. The importance of other differences among the fungi, such as in the absorption of nutrients from solution or in the distribution and amount of external mycelium, has yet to be clearly demonstrated. Inoculant VA mycorrhizal fungi must be capable of persisting in soils at a high inoculum potential, as well as being able to increase nutrient uptake. Until now, little attention has been paid to characteristics which enable the fungi to persist after inoculation. We are critical of many of the methods employed in experiments aimed at selecting 'efficient' VA mycorrhizal fungi. For practical purposes, selection can only be achieved by means of comparisons performed in untreated field soils, with phosphorus supply limiting plant growth. Because the form of inoculum can affect the relative abilities of VA mycorrhizal fungi to infect and improve plant growth, appropriate inocula are needed for each agricultural situation. The survival of many species of fungi in various types of inocula requires further study so that procedures can be developed for introducing particular fungi into agricultural soils. This review emphasizes many gaps in our knowledge. For example, we need more information on how and to what extent species or strains of VA mycorrhizal fungi differ in their ability to increase plant growth. We know even less about their beneficial effects in years following that of field inoculation. The ecology of indigenous VA mycorrhizal fungi in field soils has also been largely neglected. These and other deficiencies preclude any immediate recommendations for large-scale inoculation with selected VA mycorrhizal fungi.

Infectivity of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in agricultural soils

1982 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1049 ◽  
Author(s):  
LK Abbott ◽  
AD Robson
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Poor Correlation ◽  
Lag Phase ◽  
Vesicular Arbuscular ◽  
Field Soils ◽  
Va Mycorrhizal Fungi

The development of vesicular arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizas was followed for subterranean clover grown in 20 field soils in a glasshouse experiment. The aims of the study were: to understand the way in which mycorrhizas develop in field soils; to identify those factors which could be used to predict field sites suitable for inoculation with VA mycorrhizal fungi. In each soil, the amount and rate of mycorrhiza formation were estimated for species of each genus represented. The data were examined in relation to differences among soils in numbers of spores of VA mycorrhizal fungi and in soil properties. A poor correlation between total spore numbers and the total amount and rate of infection formed was attributed to two factors. First, infection by fine endophyte (a fungus which does not form large spores that can be counted) was ubiquitous, but the amount of mycorrhizas formed by this fungus varied greatly. Second, species of fungi differed in their rates of infection. In general, there was an association between spore numbers and infection development for individual fungal species. The development of mycorrhizas in any soil fell into one of three categories: I, rapid and extensive; II, extensive but with a lag phase; III, slow and limited in extent. The species of fungi in soils from each category were similar. Category I included the soils which were most deficient in phosphorus for plant growth. However, from measurements of soil properties alone, it is not possible to predict those soils which are suitable for the introduction of inoculant VA mycorrhizal fungi.

Vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhiza influence growth but not mineral concentrations in seedlings of eight sweetgum families

1979 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Schultz ◽  
P. P. Kormanik ◽  
W. C. Bryan ◽  
G. H. Brister
Keyword(s):  
Arbuscular Mycorrhiza ◽  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Initial Growth ◽  
Soil Mixture ◽  
Vesicular Arbuscular ◽  
Va Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Mineral Concentrations

Seedlings of eight half-sib sweetgum (Liquidambarstyraciflua L.) families were grown for 6 months in a fumigated soil mixture, with or without inoculum from a mixture of Glomusmosseae and Glomusetunicatus fungi, at levels of 140, 280, 560, and 1120 kg/ha of 10–10–10 fertilizer. All seedlings received three additions of 187 kg/ha of N during the growing season. Inoculated seedlings had significantly greater biomass, height, and stem diameters at each fertilizer level than nonmycorrhizal control seedlings. Significant differences in growth occurred between families in mycorrhizal plants. However, fertilizer did not significantly affect growth or nutrient uptake of the seedlings. Inoculation with VA mycorrhizal fungi did not increase N, P, K, or Mg concentrations in the leaves, stems, or roots. Leaves of VA mycorrhizal seedlings had higher concentrations of calcium but stems and roots had lower concentrations of this element than the nonmycorrhizal seedlings. Seedlings with endomycorrhizae contained higher absolute quantities of each nutrient simply because of their greater biomass. The results suggest that the role of VA mycorrhizal fungi in the initial growth of sweetgum seedlings may be the result of physiological stimuli other than increased nutrient uptake.

Introduction of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi into agricultural soils

1983 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 741 ◽  
Author(s):  
LK Abbott ◽  
AD Robson ◽  
IR Hall
Keyword(s):  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Temporary Increase ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Previous Survey ◽  
Rate Of Development ◽  
Vesicular Arbuscular ◽  
Va Mycorrhizal Fungi

Two species of vesicular arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal fungi were introduced into agricultural soils at four field sites. Three sites were chosen, on the basis of a previous survey, to give a range in the expected extent and rate of mycorrhizal formation by the indigenous fungi. The fourth site had recently been cleared of natural vegetation and ploughed. The success of inoculation with Glomus fasciculatum and G. monosporum was measured by estimating the extent of mycorrhizas formed by the inoculant fungi and by recording growth of subterranean clover. The effects of inoculating with these two mycorrhizal fungi on the development of mycorrhizas formed by the indigenous fungi were also followed in detail. At two sites, infection by G. fasciculatum was increased in the plots where this species was added in the inoculum. Growth was temporarily enhanced after inoculation with G. fasciculatum at one of these sites. This corresponded with a temporary increase in the percentage of root length infected as a result of inoculation. Plants grown at the two sites where G. fasciculatum became established had a slower rate of development of infection by the indigenous VA mycorrhizal fungi compared with that formed by the indigenous species at the other two sites.

Formation and Structure of Mycorrhizas of Seedlings of Coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum)

1992 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 291 ◽  
Author(s):  
PA Mcgee ◽  
JH Furby
Keyword(s):  
Flux Density ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Negative Response ◽  
Photon Flux ◽  
Photon Flux Density ◽  
Va Mycorrhizas ◽  
Hartig Net ◽  
Vesicular Arbuscular ◽  
Va Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Fungal Associations

The mycorrhizas of seedlings of coachwood (Ceratopetalum apetalum) were examined. When the host was grown under increased photon flux density infections of both vesicular-arbuscular (VA) and a sheathing association were extended. Paris type VA mycorrhizas were observed, though arbuscules and vesicles were rare. Hyphae of VA mycorrhizal fungi appeared to degenerate when under the sheathing association. The sheathing association was characterised by thin mantles and no Hartig net. An electron-dense bilayer formed over hyphae in the sheath and hyphae were surrounded by a fibrillar matrix. Beneath the sheath, the walls of the epidermis were thickened and fibrillar. Lignin and suberin were present in the walls of cells of the hypodermis and absent in the epidermis. No evidence was found that the fungal associations induced a negative response from the host. While the structure of the mycorrhizas was unusual, the sheathing association was believed to be a variant of typical ectomycorrhizas.

scholarly journals A Meta-Analytical Approach on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation Efficiency on Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 370
Author(s):  
Murugesan Chandrasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Mycorrhizal Plants

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts of higher plants which increase the growth and nutrient uptake of host plants. The primary objective was initiated based on analyzing the enormity of optimal effects upon AMF inoculation in a comparative bias between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants stipulated on plant biomass and nutrient uptake. Consequently, in accomplishing the above-mentioned objective a vast literature was collected, analyzed, and evaluated to establish a weighted meta-analysis irrespective of AMF species, plant species, family and functional group, and experimental conditions in the context of beneficial effects of AMF. I found a significant increase in the shoot, root, and total biomass by 36.3%, 28.5%, and, 29.7%, respectively. Moreover, mycorrhizal plants significantly increased phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium uptake by 36.3%, 22.1%, and 18.5%, respectively. Affirmatively upon cross-verification studies, plant growth parameters intensification was accredited to AMF (Rhizophagus fasciculatus followed by Funniliforme mosseae), plants (Triticum aestivum followed by Solanum lycopersicum), and plant functional groups (dicot, herbs, and perennial) were the additional vital important significant predictor variables of plant growth responses. Therefore, the meta-analysis concluded that the emancipated prominent root characteristics, increased morphological traits that eventually help the host plants for efficient phosphorus uptake, thereby enhancing plant biomass. The present analysis can be rationalized for any plant stress and assessment of any microbial agent that contributes to plant growth promotion.

Vesicular–arbuscular endomycorrhizal associations of some desert plants of Baja California

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 1056-1060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon L. Rose
Keyword(s):  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Sonoran Desert ◽  
Baja California ◽  
Fungal Spores ◽  
Desert Plants ◽  
Endemic Plants ◽  
Mycorrhizal Associations ◽  
Glomus Spp ◽  
Vesicular Arbuscular ◽  
Va Mycorrhizal Fungi

Endemic plants of the Sonoran Desert of Baja California were sampled for mycorrhizal associations. Eight of the 10 plant species examined were colonized by vesicular–arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal fungi. Soil sievings revealed chlamydospores of three VA mycorrhizal Glomus spp.; G. microcarpus, G. fasciculatus, and G. macrocarpus. At the time of sampling, the populations of VA fungal spores in the soil were low, with one to five chlamydospores per 100 g soil sample.

scholarly journals Scope and future perspectives of phytoremediation

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (AAEBSSD) ◽  
pp. 77-85
Author(s):  
Sridevi Tallapragada ◽  
Rajesh Lather ◽  
Vandana ◽  
Gurnam Singh
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Heavy Metal Accumulation ◽  
Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria ◽  
Runoff Water

Phytoremediation is the plant-based technology that has emerged as a novel cost effective and ecofriendly technology in which green plants are used for extraction, sequestration and/or detoxification of the pollutants. Plants possess the natural ability to degrade heavy metals and this property of plants to detoxify contaminants can be used by genetic engineering approach. Currently, the quality of soil and water has degraded considerably due heavy metal accumulation through discharge of industrial, agricultural and domestic waste. Heavy metal pollution is a global concern and a major health threat worldwide. They are toxic, and can damage living organisms even at low concentrations and tend to accumulate in the food chain. The most common heavy metal contaminants are: As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn. High levels of metals in soil can be phytotoxic, leading to poor plant growth and soil cover due to metal toxicity and can lead to metal mobilization in runoff water and thus have a negative impact on the whole ecosystem. Phytoremediation is a green strategy that uses hyperaccumulator plants and their rhizospheric micro-organisms to stabilize, transfer or degrade pollutants in soil, water and environment. Mechanisms used to remediate contaminated soil includes phytoextraction, phytostabilization, phytotransformation, phytostimulation, phytovolatilization and rhizofiltration. Traditional phytoremediation method presents some limitations regarding their applications at large scale, so the application of genetic engineering approaches such as transgenic transformation, nanoparticles addition and phytoremediation assisted with phytohormones, plant growth-promoting bacteria and Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation has been applied to ameliorate the efficacy of plants for heavy metals decontamination. In this review, some recent innovative technologies for improving phytoremediation and heavy metals toxicity and their depollution procedures are highlighted.

scholarly journals Effect of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Glomus fasiculatum on the Growth and Physiological Response in Sesamum indicum L.

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 47-62
Author(s):  
J. Philip Robinson ◽  
K. Nithya ◽  
R. Ramya ◽  
B. Karthikbalan ◽  
K. Kripa
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhiza ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Physiological Response ◽  
Sesamum Indicum ◽  
Shoot Length ◽  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza ◽  
Vesicular Arbuscular ◽  
Mycorrhizal Plants

Plant growth and physiological response of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) were studied in controlled environment using normal soil and indigenous Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) fungi treated soil. The seedlings of Zea mays were inoculated with Giguspora species of VAM (Glomus fasiculatum) and the inoculum was multiplied with help of Zeamays seed bed. Sesame seeds were then inoculated into the bed and it was found that the plant height, shoots lengths, roots, biomass of shoot and roots were considerably increased in the mycorrhizal plants. The effect of VAM infection was assessed in pot experiment. In this comparative study, specific mycorrhizal fungi had consistent effects on various growth parameters such as the number of leaves, number of roots, shoot length, biomass of shoot and roots and biochemical parameters were observed at various time intervals by statistical analysis using two way ANOVA, it was confined with mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal infected plants. It was found that the ability of isolates to maintain the plant growth effectively in the case of mycorrhizal seedlings shows a maximum absorbtion of 0.77 ±0.2, shoot length is about 8.34 ±0.2, count of root and leaves are about 8.10 ±0.3, 5.6 ±0.3 respectively under mycorrhizal infection in 30days of analysis and had a positive effect on the growth at all intervals. Biochemical analysis were carried out to estimate the total chlorophyll, chrophyll A, chlorophyll B and Carotenoids contents and it was analyzed to be 9 ±0.5 mg/g, 8.3 ±0.5 mg/g, 3.6 ±0.5 mg/g, 4 ±0.3 mg/g respectively. At the 30th day of analysis for the mycorrhizal plants, it was found to be high in mycorrhizal seedlings which shows the symbiosis had improved the nutrient uptake of cultivated plants. Nevertheless G. fasiculatum was found to be the most efficient fungus and exhibited the highest levels of mycorrhizal colonization, as well as the greatest stimulation of physiological parameters.

The effect of soil pH on the formation of VA mycorrhizas by two species of Glomus

Soil Research ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 253 ◽  
Author(s):  
LK Abbott ◽  
AD Robson
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Vesicular Arbuscular ◽  
Va Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Ph Level ◽  
Ph Range ◽  
Spread Of Infection ◽  
Glomus Sp

Two species of vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal fungi differed in their ability to infect subterranean clover roots when soil pH was changed by liming. In a glasshouse experiment, Glomus fasciculatum infected extensively at each of four levels of soil pH (range 5.3-7.5). Glomus sp. (WUM 16) only infected extensively at the highest pH level. Liming the soil depressed plant growth, but this effect was almost entirely overcome by inoculation with G. fasciculatum. In the second experiment, Glomus sp. (WUM 16) failed to spread from existing infection within roots of subterranean clover when soil pH was 5.3 or lower. The lack of spread of infection was associated with an inability of hyphae of this fungus to grow in the soil used unless it was limed to give a pH at least greater than 5.3.

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