Mycorrhizal Associations and Their Manipulation for Long-Term Agricultural Stability and Productivity

Abstract

Summary Mycorrhizae refer to an association (largely symbiotic) between plants and fungi that colonize the cortical root tissue of most agricultural crops during the period of active plant growth. The contribution of these symbioses to plant growth and soil fertility maintenance has been well-recognized for past several years. In spite of these benefits to agriculture, at present, the realization of the full potential of these fungi has not yet been reached. It must also be recognized that recent research on the possible application of the mycorrhizal symbiosis in agriculture has revealed many gaps in knowledge of fungal biology and ecology. Scientific knowledge on the role of these fungi in plant development and protection, soil stabilization, aggregate formation and creation of nutrient reserves is still limited. For efficient use and manipulation of these fungal symbioses for long-term agricultural stability and productivity, our understanding of their physiology, function and interactions with existing crops and environmental conditions should be improved. Besides, effects of different agronomic practices, application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on their ecology and function should be elucidated before their successful utilization in agriculture. This paper presents information on the morphology of different my-corrhizal fungi, their physiology and functions. Methods presently used to produce mycorrhizal inocula, their application in the field, problems to be resolved for their massive exploitation and future research needs have also been described. References have been selected to explain the recent advances in our understanding on these beneficial fungi.