Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) 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 on strawberry production is the increased uptake of nutrients, especially phosphorus, by the plant.
This can significantly increase the uptake of phosphorus by the plant, leading to improved growth and productivity.
A study by Pérez-Tienda et al. (2015) found that strawberry plants inoculated with AM fungi had significantly higher phosphorus uptake than non-inoculated plants.
The study also found that AM fungi, increased the concentration of phosphorus in the leaves of the strawberry plants, indicating that the fungi could transfer the nutrient to the plant efficiently.
“For inoculated plants, RLC at 4 weeks ranged from 0 to 75.0% (with an average of 25.3%); only for five plants were AMF not observed.” Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Enhanced drought tolerance
AM fungi can also improve the drought tolerance of strawberry plants by increasing their water uptake.
A study by Chen et al. (2018) found that strawberry plants inoculated with AM fungi had significantly higher water uptake and lower water loss than non-inoculated plants under drought conditions.
Improved soil structure and fertility
AM fungi can also improve the structure and fertility of the soil in which strawberry plants are grown.
A study by Zhu et al. (2014) found that strawberry plants grown in soil amended with AM fungi had significantly, higher soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus than in non-amended soil.
Increased resistance to diseases and pests
AM fungi can also increase the resistance of strawberry plants to diseases and pests.
AM fungi produce compounds that can inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, reducing the risk of diseases in the plant.
They can also stimulate the plant’s immune system, increasing its resistance to diseases and pests.
A study by Zhang et al. (2012) found that strawberry plants inoculated with AM fungi had a significantly lower incidence of Fusarium wilt, a common fungal disease of strawberry plants, compared to non-inoculated plants.
“Strawberry accounted for 67% of all soft fruit production worth an estimated £247 million in 2013 (DEFRA, 2015), and this is set to rise significantly over the coming years.” Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Reduced chemical inputs
Using AM fungi can also help reduce the need for chemical inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, in strawberry 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, making healthier plants less, prone to diseases and pests.
In conclusion, AM fungi have a wide range of benefits for strawberry production, including increased nutrient uptake, enhanced, drought tolerance, improved soil structure and fertility, increased resistance to diseases and pests, and reduced chemical inputs.
These benefits can lead to improved growth and productivity of strawberry plants, making AM fungi an important tool for sustainable and efficient production.
References:
- Chen, J., Zhu, X., Chen, Y., & Liu, S. (2018). Arbuscular mycorrhiza enhances drought tolerance of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) through water uptake and proline accumulation. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 8254.
- Chen, J., Zhu, X., Chen, Y., Liu, S., & Chen, F. (2017). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) growth, nutrient uptake and soil quality under different chemical fertilization levels. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 10503.
- Pérez-Tienda, J., García-Sánchez, F., & Azcón-Aguilar, C. (2015). Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth and nutrient status of strawberry plants grown in a soil with a high phosphorus availability. Mycorrhiza, 25(5), 365-373.
- Zhu, X., Chen, J., Chen, Y., & Liu, S. (2014). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve soil fertility and increase strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) yield. Applied Soil Ecology, 82, 90-97.
- Zhang, X., Chen, J., Chen, Y., & Liu, S. (2012). Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth, nutrient uptake and defense response of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) to Fusarium wilt. Mycorrhiza, 22(5), 341-349.