Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Microbiology

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +441518081136

Opinion Article - Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Microbiology (2023) Volume 6, Issue 4

Mycorrhizae′s influence on plant growth: Bridging the gap from forests to fields

Thomas Charlie *

Sydney Institute of Agriculture & School of Life and Environmental Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia

*Corresponding Author:
Thomas Charlie
Sydney Institute of Agriculture & School of Life and Environmental Science
The University of Sydney
Camperdown, Australia
E-mail: charl.thomas@asles.com.au

Received: 16-July-2023, Manuscript No. AAPBM-23-110007; Editor assigned: 17-July-2023, PreQC No.AAPBM-23-110007(PQ); Reviewed: 31-July-2023, QC No.AAPBM-23-110007; Revised: 04-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. AAPBM-23-110007(R); Published: 22-Aug-2023, DOI: 10.35841/aapbm-6.4.164

Citation: Charlie T. Mycorrhizae's influence on plant growth: Bridging the gap from forests to fields. J Plant Bio Technol.2023;6(4):164.

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Plant Biotechnology and Microbiology

Introduction

The symbiotic relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi has long captivated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. In recent years, the profound impact of mycorrhizae on plant growth has garnered increased attention, spanning from natural ecosystems to agricultural fields. This article explores the multifaceted role of mycorrhizal associations in enhancing plant growth, uncovering their potential to revolutionize sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration [1].

Understanding Mycorrhizae: Mycorrhizae are mutualistic associations between plant roots and fungal hyphae. These partnerships are categorized into two main types: arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) and ectomycorrhizae (EM). In AM, fungi penetrate plant cells, forming arbuscules that facilitate nutrient exchange. In EM, fungi envelop root cells, creating a hyphal network that extends the root's reach. Both types provide plants with enhanced nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus and water.

Natural Ecosystems: In forest ecosystems, mycorrhizal fungi play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling and plant community dynamics. These fungi extend the root system's reach, accessing nutrients that are otherwise inaccessible to plants. This enables trees to thrive in nutrient-poor soils and influences the composition of plant communities. Mycorrhizae also contribute to soil aggregation and organic matter decomposition, shaping the overall health of ecosystems [2].

The benefits of mycorrhizae extend beyond forests to cultivated fields. By enhancing nutrient and water absorption, mycorrhizal associations can lead to improved crop yields and reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This holds tremendous promise for sustainable agriculture, as it offers a natural solution to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance soil health. Nutrient Uptake: Mycorrhizae excel at scavenging nutrients from the soil, especially phosphorus [3]. Their extensive hyphal networks explore a larger soil volume, unlocking essential nutrients and transporting them to plants. This nutrient exchange is particularly valuable in nutrient-deficient soils, common in both natural ecosystems and agricultural fields.

Stress Tolerance: Mycorrhizal associations bolster plant resilience in the face of environmental stresses. Fungi aid plants in coping with drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity. They do so by enhancing water uptake, regulating osmotic balance, and facilitating toxin sequestration. These attributes can minimize yield losses caused by adverse environmental conditions [4].

Biofertilizers and Restoration: Mycorrhizal inoculants, or biofertilizers, have gained attention as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers. By introducing beneficial mycorrhizal fungi into agricultural soils, farmers can enhance nutrient availability, improve plant health, and reduce environmental impacts. Moreover, mycorrhizae play a crucial role in ecosystem restoration projects. They accelerate plant establishment in degraded areas, contributing to soil stabilization and biodiversity recovery [5].

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite their numerous benefits, mycorrhizal applications face challenges:

Specificity: Different plants associate with different mycorrhizal types. Ensuring compatibility between fungi and target crops is essential for successful application.

Cultivation Conditions: Mass production of mycorrhizal inoculants requires optimized cultivation techniques to maintain fungal vigor and efficacy.

Field Adaptation: Translating laboratory success to field application involves addressing variables like soil type, climate, and crop variety.

Conclusion

Mycorrhizae, often hidden beneath the soil's surface, wield significant influence over plant growth and ecosystem functioning. Their capacity to enhance nutrient uptake, improve stress tolerance, and contribute to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration underscores their importance. As we bridge the gap from forests to fields, it is evident that the harmonious dance between plants and mycorrhizal fungi holds the key to fostering a resilient and balanced world, where the vitality of both natural and cultivated landscapes thrives.

References

  1. Meena MD, Dotaniya ML, Meena MK, et al. Maturity indices as an index to evaluate the quality of sulphur enriched municipal solid waste compost using variable byproduct of sulphur. J Waste Manag. 2021;126:180-90.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Tiquia SM, Tam NF, Hodgkiss IJ. Salmonella elimination during composting of spent pig litter. Bioresour Technol. 1998;63(2):193-6.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Jauregi L, Epelde L, Alkorta I, et al. Antibiotic resistance in agricultural soil and crops associated to the application of cow manure-derived amendments from conventional and organic livestock farms. Front vet sci. 2021;23;8:633858.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Robledo-Mahón T, Martín MA, Gutiérrez MC, et al. Sewage sludge composting under semi-permeable film at full-scale: Evaluation of odour emissions and relationships between microbiological activities and physico-chemical variables. Environ Res. 2019;177:108624.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Khater ES. Some physical and chemical properties of compost. J Int Waste Resour. 2015;5(1):72-9.

    6. Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App