Benefits and Potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in Vegetable Crop Production

Abstract

Vegetable production is a flourishing industry in the Indian subcontinent. The production statistics highlight tremendous achievements in the field despite some technical limitations. High mortality rate, non-establishment of the plants in the transplanted area, and pathogenic infection during transplantation are some of the constraints that threaten massive crop losses. Since most vegetable crops are transplanting crops, they rely heavily on rhizospheric soil microorganisms for plant establishment, growth, and productivity. One such beneficial group of microorganisms that helps in the establishment process is the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, which is one of the leading microflora in the soil community. AMF plays multiple roles as a biofertilizer, bio-protectant, and biodegrader. AMF helps in balancing the nutrient supply and significantly reduces seedling mortality during transplantation and strengthens plant growth. Studies have shown that various AMF strains provide differential functional benefits to the host plant. Therefore, understanding the AMF species diversity composition in the plant rhizosphere is crucial in understanding their beneficial role for different host species. It is also essential for establishing the ecological complexity between plants, microbes, and the rhizosphere. The present study has attempted to delineate the AMF diversity inhabiting the host rhizosphere especially associated with vegetable crops. An overview of the role of AMF as a biofertilizer in vegetable crop production is also discussed in the present chapter.