Functions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in horticultural crops

Abstract

• Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on growth and development of horticultural plants. • AM promotes the tolerance of horticultural plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. • Combined application of AMF with other phytochemicals and soil beneficial microorganisms. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots, which aids the growth and development of host plants, as well as their ability to resist external biotic and abiotic stresses. AMF are thus an important soil microbial resource. Here, recent research progress on the role of AMF in promoting the vegetative and reproductive growth, yield quality, stress physiology, and disease resistance of horticultural plants (fruit trees, vegetables, flower crops, and ornamental plants) within and outside of China is reviewed. Application of various chemicals such as strigolactone, polyamine, dopamine, melatonin, and biochar, and soil microorganisms such as mycorrhizal helper bacteria and plant rhizosphere bacteria can also amplify the positive effects of AMF on host plants. AMF improve the nutrient and water supply of horticultural plants, increase their yield and quality, and enhance their tolerance of environmental stress and resistance to pathogens. The efficacy of combining AMF application with other compounds and rhizosphere microorganisms for improving the yield and quality of horticultural crops under different types of stress is also discussed.