Abstract
The aim of this work was to summarize the most recent research focused on the study of plant–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis, both in a generic context and in the specific context of wheat cultivation. Taking into account the last 20 years, the most significant studies on the main plant advantages taken from this association are reviewed herein. Positive advances that have been reported stem from the mutualistic relationship between the plant and the mycorrhizal fungus, revealing better performance for the host in terms of nutrient uptake and protection from salinity, lack of water, and excess phytotoxic elements. Mycorrhiza studies and the recent progress in research in this sector have shown a possible solution for environmental sustainability: AMF represent a valid alternative to overcome the loss of biological fertility of soils, reduce chemical inputs, and alleviate the effects of biotic and abiotic stress.
Highlights
A metabolomic analysis by Bernardo et al [75] in a water deficit regime on Triticum durum and Triticum aestivum wheat cultivars supported the hypothesis of mycorrhizal fungi involvement in enhancing plant response to water stress: inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae significantly improved the plants’ biomass production, resulted in a positive trend in water use efficiency (WUE), and reduced oxidative damage, resulting in the root accumulation of compounds known to play an antioxidative role by directly reacting with reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Great efforts have been made in order to study the processes and metabolic pathways involved in the fungus, aimed at the greater absorption of nutrients and water and greater resistance to pathogens, salinity, and heavy metals
With a view to greater environmental sustainability, the selection and cultivation of cereals in agricultural systems with a low environmental impact could be based on the selection of wheat varieties with highly effective mycorrhizal symbiosis
Summary
A mycorrhiza (from Greek, mykos: fungus and Rhiza: root) is a particular symbiotic association between a higher plant and a fungus that is located in the plant root apparatus and extends into the rhizosphere and the surrounding soil. The penetration form an appressorium, from which intracellular hyphae originate; it can penetrate through a radical of the fungus inside the root surface can take place via three different modalities: it can form an hair; or it can enterfrom across the cells of external layersoriginate; that are often and flake off [2]. 7–12 days [12], which act as the site for fungus/plant metabolite deepening in the root, abundantly colonize the cells and undergo intense branching, forming arbuscules exchange andcycle for the reserve fungus does not come into contact with a life of accumulation. Association with the plant through an exchange of substances between them: the fungus receives These fungi are obligate symbionts and form a mutualistic symbiotic association with the plant through carbon to complete its life cyclebetween and, at the same time, it provides nutritional to the plant [15]. This direction has two principal goals: firstly, a lower dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and secondly, crop protection from abiotic stress (lack of water, salinity, excess phytotoxic elements)
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