Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are a type of mutualistic symbiosis between fungi and the roots of plants.
AM fungi are found in almost all terrestrial plant species and have a wide range of, benefits for plant growth and productivity.
Increased nutrient uptake
One of the main benefits of AM fungi on lucerne production is the increased uptake of nutrients, especially phosphorus, by the plant.
AM fungi can extract phosphorus from the ground and transfer it to the plant through their hyphae.
This can significantly increase the uptake of phosphorus by the plant, leading to improved growth and productivity.
Abbasi et al. (2018) found that lucerne plants inoculated with AM fungi had significantly higher phosphorus uptake than non-inoculated plants.
Enhanced drought tolerance
AM fungi can also improve the drought tolerance of lucerne plants by increasing their water uptake.
AM fungi form a network of hyphae in the soil that can grow the surface area for water absorption and extend the plant’s root system.
This can help the plant access water from a larger soil volume, increasing its ability to withstand drought conditions.
Chen et al. (2015) found that lucerne plants inoculated with AM fungi had significantly higher water uptake and lower water loss than non-inoculated plants under drought conditions.
Studies have demonstrated that AMF form a symbiotic relationship with more than 80% of land plants (Smith and Read 2008).
Source: amb-express.springeropen.com
Improved soil structure and fertility
AM fungi can also improve the structure and fertility of the soil where lucerne plants are grown.
This can lead to increased soil fertility and enhanced plant growth and productivity.
Chaudhary et al. (2013) found that lucerne plants grown in soil amended with AM fungi had significantly higher soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus than non-amended soil.
The study also found that AM fungi increased the biomass and seed yield of the lucerne plants.
Increased resistance to diseases and pests
AM fungi can also increase the resistance of lucerne plants to diseases and pests.
AM fungi produce compounds that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, reducing the risk of conditions in the plant. They can also stimulate the plant’s immune system, increasing its resistance to diseases and pests.
Farooq et al. (2016) found that lucerne plants inoculated with AM fungi had a significantly lower incidence of Fusarium wilt, a common fungal disease of lucerne plants, compared to non-inoculated plants.
Increased nitrogen fixation
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth but is often limiting in soil.
Legumes, such as lucerne, can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere through a symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
AM fungi can also increase the nitrogen-fixing ability of lucerne plants, leading to improved growth and productivity.
Ma et al. (2016) found that lucerne plants inoculated with AM fungi had significantly higher nitrogen fixation than non-inoculated plants.
The study also found that AM fungi increased the concentration of nitrogen in the leaves of the lucerne plants, indicating that the fungi were able to transfer the nutrient to the plant efficiently.
Rhizobial and AM fungal effects were mutually promoting; inoculation with AM fungus significantly increased the formation of root nodules, and inoculation with rhizobium increased the percentage of root length colonised by AM fungus (P < 0.05).
Source: publish.csiro.au
Reduced chemical inputs
Using AM fungi can also help reduce the need for chemical inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, in lucerne production. As mentioned earlier, AM fungi can increase plant uptake by nutrients, reducing the need for fertilizers. They can also improve soil structure and fertility, leading to healthier plants that are less prone to diseases and pests. This can reduce the need for pesticides, which can harm the environment and human health.
For example, Abbasi et al. (2018) found that lucerne plants grown with AM fungi had significantly higher seed yield and nutrient uptake than plants grown with chemical fertilizers. The study also found that AM fungi reduced the need for chemical inputs, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly production system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AM fungi have a wide range of benefits for lucerne production, including increased nutrient uptake, enhanced drought tolerance, improved soil structure and fertility, increased resistance to diseases, and pests, increased nitrogen fixation, and fewer chemical inputs. These benefits can lead to improved growth and productivity of lucerne plants, making AM fungi an essential tool for sustainable and efficient production.
FAQs
How can arbuscular mycorrhizae be used as Biofertilizer?
Arbuscular mycorrhizae (AMF) are fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, resulting in improved plant growth and health. AMF have been shown to be effective in various crops, including cereals, legumes, and vegetables. In agriculture, AMF can be used as a biofertilizer to increase crop yields and improve soil health.
Can arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi reduce the growth of agricultural weeds?
It is possible that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could play a role in reducing the growth of agricultural weeds. In agriculture, AMFs are often used as biofertilizers to increase crop yields and improve soil health. Evidence suggests that AMF may potentially reduce the growth of certain weed species in agricultural systems.
Is there a role for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in production agriculture?
Yes, there is a role for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in production agriculture.
AMF are fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, resulting in improved plant growth and health.
In agriculture, AMF are often used as a biofertilizer to increase crop yields and improve soil health.
Do arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi fix nitrogen?
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is a key component of amino acids, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) do not fix nitrogen, but they can play a role in the nitrogen cycle in soil. While AMFs do not fix nitrogen themselves, they can play a role in the nitrogen cycle in the soil through their interaction with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and their impact on soil structure and organic matter breakdown.
References:
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- Chaudhary, M. A., Abbasi, S. A., & Abbasi, F. A. (2013). Influence of arbuscular mycorrhiza on soil fertility and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) growth. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 24(1), 17307.
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