Mycorrhizal Symbiosis for Sustainable Optimization of Tropical Agriculture: A Review of Research

Abstract

Excessive application of chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals can cause significant imbalances in soils and agricultural ecosystems. To minimize these impacts, biofertilizers and organic fertilizers are needed to maintain a sustainable production system. The use of subterranean microorganisms in agriculture to stimulate plant growth and improve yields has recently received increasing interest. In this context, mycorrhizae represent a viable solution to mitigate these adverse effects. Mycorrhizal fungi are able to form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of plants in the environment. Mycorrhizal fungus helps the plant to absorb nutrients and water. In addition, mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in storing carbon (C) in the soil. Most previous studies have just considered the effects of AMF species on a specific crop in one particular area but have not assessed the balance of AMF in production systems in tropical agriculture. This consideration should allow for the optimization of cropping practices through a review of the work on the use of AMF in tropical agriculture production systems. In this paper, we will discuss, through different examples of experiments carried out in the tropics, the performance of different strategies for managing the potential of AMF to maintain a sustainable production system.

Reducing mineral fertilizer use for sustainable agriculture: The influence of seed coating with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores and Leifsonia bacteria on maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) production

“…Microbial inoculants offer low-cost alternatives to expensive mineral fertilizers and provide a means of maintaining or improving soil fertility (Hart et al, 2015;Garg et al, 2018;Begum et al, 2019;Aguégué et al, 2023). Many lines of scientific evidence demonstrate not only improved crop yield and resistance of mycorrhizal and/or nodulating plants to environmental stress, but also improvements in many food quality attributes, such as increased levels of desirable antioxidants, vitamins and minerals (Sene et al, 2010;Calvo et al, 2014;Fortin et al, 2015;Hart et al, 2015;Garg et al, 2018;Rocha et al, 2019).…”

“…Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are among these important soil-dwelling microorganisms and can have a strong influence on plant growth and productivity. They form mutualistic associations with over 80% of all vascular plants, affecting plant fitness and competitive interactions (Aguégué et al, 2023). They are well known for assisting host plants with phosphorus uptake (Smith and Read, 2008;Lu et al, 2023), but can also provide other benefits such as protection from pathogens (Cardoso and Kuyper, 2006;Sharma et al, 2023), assistance with the uptake of other nutrients such as nitrogen and copper, and improved water relations (Smith and Read, 2008;Sene et al, 2010;Lu et al, 2023;Sharma et al, 2023).…”

Response of Biostimulants Based on Native Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi of the Glomeraceae on Maize Yield in a Farming Environment

“…The application of microbial biostimulants, which take advantage of symbiotic relationships, is a long-term strategy for improving plant productivity and performance [19]. Implementing reliable and sustainable agricultural technology without adverse effects on soil health and the environment to meet food needs remains the major concern of agricultural research [20].…”