Arbuscular Mycorrhizal

The evolution of mycorrhizal symbiosis is thought to be an important pathway that enabled the development of land plants 400 million years ago.

Arbuscular Mycorrhiza, AM fungi are symbiotic with 80% of terrestrial plants, helping plants to obtain long-distance water and nutrients and promoting plants to adapt to environmental changes. Arbuscular Mycorrhiza extends extra-root hyphae from the plant root system, expanding the nutrient absorption area of the host plant. However, plants interact with many microorganisms in addition to Arbuscular Mycorrhiza fungi, and plants cultivate and shape the microbiome for their own benefit by secreting microbial stimulatory and inhibitory compounds. Therefore, the rhizosphere, that is, the soil region surrounding the roots, affected by these exudates, often constitutes a dense microbial community selectively assembled by the plant that is distinct from the surrounding non-rhizosphere soil. Similar to plants, Arbuscular Mycorrhiza fungi have also been shown to interact with the microorganisms around them. Interactions between Arbuscular Mycorrhiza fungi and bacteria not only have an impact on the bacterial community but can also greatly affect the performance of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza fungi.

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in conventional farming results in pollution and reduced biodiversity, whereas organic farming avoids these practices and promotes soil biodiversity, of which mycorrhizal fungi are considered key taxa.

For more about Arbuscular Mycorrhiza