Interaction of Mycorrhizal Fungi with Rhizospheric Microbes and Their Mode of Action

Abstract

AbstractMicrobes in the rhizosphere interact with each other. These interactions operate through different modes of action improving soil fertility and crop productivity, which are key issues for the sustainability of natural as well as agro-ecosystems. Mycorrhizal fungi interact with almost all organisms in the mycorrhizosphere including beneficial, plant pathogenic, saprophytic, and even predatory microfauna with specific functional capabilities that may influence plant growth. They are the most important rhizospheric microbe and ubiquitous on the terrestrial ecosystem. They form symbiotic relationships with the roots of most terrestrial plants in the presence of a myriad of other microbes. Mostly interactions between mycorrhizal fungi with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and soil-borne pathogens have been elucidated so far. Few studies were done on its interaction with beneficial saprophytic fungi. They interact synergistically to stimulate plant growth through a range of mechanisms that include improved acquisition of nutrient and inhibition of plant pathogens. During the interaction hundreds of biomolecules are released into the rhizosphere, and their functions are being studied in order to understand the mechanisms of interaction and communication among the different members of the rhizosphere community. The underlying mechanisms of these associations are not very well understood. In this chapter, an attempt has been made to review current knowledge concerning the interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and other rhizospheric microbes with their mode of action and to highlight the implications that these interactions may have in sustainable agriculture and forestry.KeywordsInteractionsSymbioticMicrobesBeneficialImplications