The ubiquitous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi ( AMF) form obligate symbiotic associations with the roots of more than 80% terrestrial plants. AMF play multiple ecologically important roles in various ecosystems. In exchange for carbon, AMF assist the host plant in acquiring mineral nutrients ( especially for the less mobile element, phosphorus) , enhance stress tolerance, provide " bio鄄protection冶 from soil鄄borne pathogens and mediate plant鄄plant interactions.The effectiveness of AMF in carrying out their ecological role( s) depends on the compatibility between AMF and host plant, and also the corresponding biotic / abiotic environments. In the past decades, there is ample evidence to suggest that in most cases AMF from different origins were significantly different in their effectiveness on host plants. Here, we reviewed the effects of fungal origin on AMF functioning, analyzed its causes, maintenance mechanisms, and ecological significance based on the novel interests and latest advancements. The functional differences could occur among both AMF species and among different isolates of the same species. In general, the native AMF isolates performed better and were more efficient in promoting plant growth when compared to the exotic counterparts, although contradictory results were also reported. At present, however, there were several problems that were not addressed properly in most of the previous studies. Firstly, the disparities of AMF effects on plant performance were rarely measured at the whole community level. AMF typically occur as extensive fungal assemblages in nature, and will colonize most if not all the plant roots simultaneously within the community.The behavior and functioning of a mixture of AMF species are very different to a single species partly due to the functional complementarity, synergistic relationships and competition between various AMF species. Therefore, the community level comparison of AMF functioning is more relevant to the actual field situations. Secondly, the comparisons between different
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