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Roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in plant growth and disease management for sustainable agriculture

Summary

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are beneficial fungi that live in plant roots and form a mutually beneficial relationship with plants. These fungi help plants absorb more nutrients and water from the soil, strengthen their natural defenses against diseases and pests, and work together with other helpful soil bacteria to create disease-suppressive soil. This makes AMF a promising natural alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Background

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiotic relationships with plant roots documented for 400 million years. AMF significantly influence plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, making them vital for sustainable agriculture.

Objective

This review synthesizes current understanding of AMF-mediated enhancement of plant growth and disease resistance, with emphasis on their role in sustainable crop production and integrated pest management.

Results

AMF enhances plant performance through improved phosphorus, nitrogen, and water uptake, modulates defense signaling pathways, increases secondary metabolites, and engages synergistically with beneficial microorganisms to suppress fungal, bacterial, and nematode pathogens.

Conclusion

AMF represents a promising biotechnological tool for integrated pest, disease, and nutrient management in sustainable agriculture. Further research on strain-host-environment interactions and field applications is needed to optimize AMF-based strategies.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMC12329470, PMID: 40778206, doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1616273
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