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Mycelial dynamics in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Summary

This review examines the intricate underground networks formed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which partner with most land plants to help them absorb nutrients from soil. These fungal networks are far more complex and dynamic than previously recognized, expanding through the soil in coordinated wave-like patterns and responding flexibly to changing environmental conditions. The research highlights that viewing these fungal networks as a unified, responsive system rather than separate parts can help us better understand how they support plant growth and maintain healthy ecosystems.

Background

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form one of the most widespread and ancient symbioses on Earth, associating with approximately 70% of land plants. AMF develop extensive hyphal networks (mycelia) that play crucial roles in soil structure, ecosystem dynamics, and nutrient cycling. Despite their ecological importance, AMF mycelia have historically been studied as disconnected parts, with research disproportionately focusing on intraradical structures rather than the broader mycelial networks.

Objective

This review synthesizes recent advances and historically overlooked findings on AMF mycelial morphogenesis, growth strategies, resilience, cellular coordination mechanisms, and inter-mycelial interactions. The goal is to reframe the mycelium as a single, responsive, and functionally central unit of AMF biology and propose novel mechanisms that may shape mycelial function across spatial and temporal scales.

Results

The review reveals that AMF mycelia display remarkable functional complexity with conserved core architectural features (germ tubes, hyphopodia, runner hyphae, branched absorbing structures, arbuscules) and phylogenetically variable specialized structures (spores, vesicles, auxiliary cells). ERM expansion follows self-organized, wave-like dynamics with synchronized hyphal tip pulses forming traveling waves. Mycelial morphology is highly plastic, responding to nutrient concentrations, pH, physical obstacles, and host identity, with substantial inter- and intraspecific variation in growth strategies.

Conclusion

AMF mycelia represent a complex, integrated system worthy of investigation as a central unit of AMF biology rather than disconnected compartments. Future research should employ advanced imaging, molecular techniques targeting single-copy genes, and study diverse AMF taxa across varied environmental conditions to fully understand mycelial assembly, maintenance, and function in changing environments.
  • Published in:New Phytologist,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 41140005
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