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Emerging Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Sustainable Agriculture: From Biology to Field Application

Summary

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are microscopic fungi that naturally partner with plant roots to help them grow stronger and healthier. These fungi can improve crop productivity without chemical fertilizers by helping plants absorb water and nutrients, resist drought and salty soils, and fight off diseases. Scientists are now developing commercial products containing these beneficial fungi to help farmers grow crops more sustainably and organically.

Background

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form symbiotic associations with up to 80% of plant roots and have been used for centuries. With increasing demand for organic and chemical-free agricultural products, there is growing interest in replacing traditional agrochemicals with microbial-based approaches. AMF are recognized as biostimulants, biofertilizers, and biopesticides that can enhance agricultural productivity.

Objective

This review aims to discuss recent advances in AMF biology, their functional roles in mitigating abiotic and biotic stresses, current production strategies for AMF inoculants, and the challenges associated with their commercial application in field conditions.

Results

The review reveals that AMF enhance drought and salinity stress tolerance through antioxidant enzyme modulation, nutrient acquisition improvement, and osmotic adjustment. For biotic stress management, AMF suppress pathogens through nutrient competition, rhizospheric microbial modulation, and plant defense system activation. Three primary production strategies are identified: substrate-based, substrate-free, and in vitro systems.

Conclusion

While AMF show significant potential for sustainable agriculture, commercial success depends on strain selection, carrier material choice, production quality control, and environmental compatibility. Challenges including limited strain diversity, propagule viability, formulation stability, and inconsistent field performance must be addressed for broader adoption.
  • Published in:MicrobiologyOpen,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1002/mbo3.70082; PMID: 41129090
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