Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
chapter 7
The contribution of arbuscular
mycorrhizal fungi to the success
or failure of agricultural practices
David D. Douds Jr.
USDA-ARS Eastern Regional Research Center
Rita Seidel
The Rodale Institute
Contents
7.2.1.1 Agronomic background ......................................................................... 136
7.2.1.2 Role of AM fungi..................................................................................... 138
7.2.2.1 Agronomic background ......................................................................... 141
7.2.2.2 Role of AM fungi..................................................................................... 142
7.2.3.1 Agronomic background ......................................................................... 143
7.2.3.2 Role of AM fungi..................................................................................... 145
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are soilborne fungi that generally form a mutualistic
symbiosis with the majority of crop plants. However, one agronomically important crop
family that does not form arbuscular mycorrhizas is the Brassicaceae. Among the benefits
to the plant host ascribed to the symbiosis are enhanced mineral nutrient uptake, water
relations, and disease resistance. The fungus benefits from the receipt of fixed carbon
through the roots of the host plant (Shachar-Hill et al., 1995). A brief discussion of the life
cycle and function of AM fungi will help understand and predict both the impacts of farm
management practices on AM fungi and the role of AM fungi in the success or failure of
certain agronomic practices.
133
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