Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.4
4.0
Journals
JoF
Special Issues
Plant Symbiotic Fungi
share announcement

Plant Symbiotic Fungi

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental and Ecological Interactions of Fungi".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 4227

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Wei Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
Interests: soil microorganisms; microbial ecology; plant-microorganism-insect interactions; endophytic fungi; plant symbiotic fungi

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant Symbiotic fungi are fungi that form mutually beneficial relationships with plants, typically colonizing their roots, stems, or leaves. The rapid development of omics technologies has significantly advanced our understanding of the diversity of plant symbiotic fungi. Plant symbiotic fungi exchange nutrients and resources with their host plants, enhancing their capacity to absorb water, minerals (e.g., phosphate, nitrogen, and potassium), and withstand environmental stresses (e.g., drought, salinity, pathogens, and insects). Additionally, plant–fungal symbiosis plays a critical role in ecosystem functioning. In return, plants provide carbohydrates or liquids to sustain fungal growth. The establishment of this relationship involves signal exchange between host plants and symbiotic fungi. Generally, plant symbiotic fungi include mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic fungi. Among them, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have co-evolved with plants for over 400 million years, established symbiotic relationship with about 80% of land plants, and formed branched structures called arbuscules for nutrient exchange. AMF inoculation has been reported to enhance the growth and productivity of various crops.

This Special Issue aims to give an overview of the most recent advances in the field of plant symbiotic fungi. It also aims to provide contributions showcasing advances in the diversity of the plant symbiotic fungal community, the molecular mechanisms of nutrient uptake enhancement, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance by symbiotic fungi, signal exchange and gene networks between host plants and symbiotic fungi, and symbiotic relationships with ecosystem functioning (e.g., carbon sequestration). Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the diversity of plant symbiotic fungal community, the molecular mechanisms of symbiotic fungi-mediated nutrient uptake enhancement, abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, signal exchange and gene networks during the establishment of plant–fungal symbiosis, and the impacts of plant–fungal symbiosis on ecosystem functioning.

Dr. Wei Zhang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fungal communities
  • nutrient uptake
  • abiotic and biotic stress tolerance
  • signal exchange
  • gene network
  • ecosystem functioning
  • arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

23 pages, 3378 KB  
Article
Fungal Endophyte Comprehensively Orchestrates Nodulation and Nitrogen Utilization of Legume Crop (Arachis hypogaea L.)
by Xing-Guang Xie, Hui-Jun Jiang, Kai Sun, Yuan-Yuan Zhao, Xiao-Gang Li, Ting Han, Yan Chen and Chuan-Chao Dai
J. Fungi 2026, 12(1), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12010065 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 259
Abstract
(1) Background: Improving nitrogen use efficiency in peanuts is essential for achieving a high yield with reduced nitrogen fertilizer input. This study investigates the role of the fungal endophyte Phomopsis liquidambaris in regulating nitrogen utilization throughout the entire growth cycle of peanuts. (2) [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Improving nitrogen use efficiency in peanuts is essential for achieving a high yield with reduced nitrogen fertilizer input. This study investigates the role of the fungal endophyte Phomopsis liquidambaris in regulating nitrogen utilization throughout the entire growth cycle of peanuts. (2) Methods: Field pot experiments and a two-year plot trial were conducted. The effects of Ph. liquidambaris colonization on the rhizosphere microbial community, soil nitrogen forms, and peanut physiology were analyzed. (3) Results: Colonization by Ph. liquidambaris significantly suppressed the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) in the rhizosphere at the seedling stage. This led to a transient decrease in nitrate and an increase in ammonium availability, which enhanced nodulation-related physiological responses. Concurrently, the peanut-specific rhizobium Bradyrhizobium sp. was enriched in the rhizosphere, and the root exudates induced by the fungus further stimulated nodulation activity. These early-stage effects promoted the establishment of peanut–Bradyrhizobium symbiosis. During the mid-to-late growth stages, the fungus positively reshaped the composition of key functional microbial groups (including diazotrophs, AOA, and AOB), thereby increasing rhizosphere nitrogen availability. (4) Conclusions: Under low nitrogen fertilization, inoculation with Ph. liquidambaris maintained yield stability in long-term monocropped peanuts by enhancing early nodulation and late-stage rhizosphere nitrogen availability. This study provides a promising microbe-based strategy to support sustainable legume production with reduced nitrogen fertilizer application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Symbiotic Fungi)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 5064 KB  
Article
Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Rhizosphere Soil of Maize in Northern Xinjiang, China, and Evaluation of Inoculation Benefits of Three Strains
by Ziwen Zhao, Wenqian Zhang, Wendan Xie, Yonghui Lei, Yang Li and Yanfei Sun
J. Fungi 2026, 12(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12010027 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 426
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which significantly enhances the absorption capacity of plant roots, forms a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with plants and is known as the “underground internet of plants”. To explore the community characteristics, environmental driving factors, and growth-promoting effects of AMF [...] Read more.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which significantly enhances the absorption capacity of plant roots, forms a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with plants and is known as the “underground internet of plants”. To explore the community characteristics, environmental driving factors, and growth-promoting effects of AMF on maize in saline–alkaline habitats, this research attempts a survey of the rhizosphere soil of saline–alkali maize fields in four areas of northern Xinjiang (20 samples). High-throughput sequencing and morphological methods were used to analyze the diversity of AMF, and the correlation analyses of Mantel and Pearson were used to explore the relationship between AMF and soil environmental factors. The results showed that eleven genera of AMF belonging to three orders and seven families were identified in the rhizosphere soil of maize in Xinjiang, and Glomus was the absolute dominant group. The relationship analysis of the environmental factors and diversity of AMF shows that total nitrogen, total potassium and acid phosphatase are the main factors affecting the community structure of AMF. Through spore isolation and pot experiments, Rhizophagus intraradices, Acaulospora denticulata and Glomus melanosporum were successfully screened and identified. Among them, Rhizophagus intraradices, which can effectively improve the plant biomass, promote the root growth and enhance the absorption of phosphorus and potassium nutrients, promoted the growth of maize remarkably. This study systematically revealed the diversity of AMF as an environmental driving mechanism as well as plant growth promoter, establishing it as a candidate for application in the maize rhizosphere in northern Xinjiang. This provides a theoretical basis for AMF resource development and agricultural application in this saline–alkali area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Symbiotic Fungi)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5600 KB  
Article
Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Levels on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Associated Bacterial Communities in Culture
by Pengyuan Li, Jianbin Liu, Shubin Zhang, Yingbo Zhu, Xiaofang Yin, Lijun Xing, Dan Wei and Liang Jin
J. Fungi 2025, 11(11), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11110757 - 22 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1218
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi establish mutualistic symbioses with plant roots, enhancing plant growth and improving soil fertility through nutrient exchange. Among these, soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are critical for symbiosis formation, directly influencing nutrient uptake and translocation within the symbiotic system. [...] Read more.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi establish mutualistic symbioses with plant roots, enhancing plant growth and improving soil fertility through nutrient exchange. Among these, soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are critical for symbiosis formation, directly influencing nutrient uptake and translocation within the symbiotic system. This study aimed to examine the regulatory roles of N and P levels on AM fungal development and associated bacterial communities in culture. Sorghum was used as the host plant in pot experiments with two AM fungi, Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae, under varying N and P concentrations. The analyzed parameters included mycorrhizal colonization, propagule production, plant biomass, nutrient contents (N, P, and K), and bacterial community diversity. N3P1 treatment (150 mg/L N, 30 mg/L P) yielded the highest colonization rate, spore production, and arbuscule abundance in both AM fungal symbionts. At equivalent N and P concentrations, the N, P, and K contents in inoculated plants were significantly higher than those in controls. AM fungal inoculation markedly increased the bacterial diversity in the culture (Shannon index raised by 15.2–28.7%) and enriched beneficial taxa, such as Bradyrhizobium and Pseudomonas. N and P concentrations substantially influenced AM fungal symbiosis, with optimal development observed under N3P1 conditions. By regulating AM symbiotic establishment, N and P levels reshaped microbial community composition, providing theoretical guidance for industrialized AM fungal cultivation and inoculant production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Symbiotic Fungi)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3145 KB  
Article
ABA and Ethylene Mediates Tomato Root Development Modulation During Endophytic Fungal Interaction
by Maria Feka, Bilge Chousein, Olga Tsiouri and Kalliope K. Papadopoulou
J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 707; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100707 - 30 Sep 2025
Viewed by 851
Abstract
The early stages of plant–microbe interaction are critical for establishing beneficial symbioses. We investigated how the endophytic fungus Fusarium solani strain FsK modulates tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) development and hormone pathways during in vitro co-cultivation. Seedlings were sampled at three early interaction [...] Read more.
The early stages of plant–microbe interaction are critical for establishing beneficial symbioses. We investigated how the endophytic fungus Fusarium solani strain FsK modulates tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) development and hormone pathways during in vitro co-cultivation. Seedlings were sampled at three early interaction stages (pre-contact, T1; initial contact, T2, 3 days post-contact, T3). Root traits and root and leaf transcripts for abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene (ET) pathways were quantified, alongside fungal ET-biosynthesis genes. FsK altered root system architecture, increasing root area, lateral root number, root-hair length, and fresh biomass. These morphological changes coincided with tissue- and time-specific shifts. In leaves, FsK broadly affected ABA biosynthetic and homeostasis genes (ZEP1, NCED1, ABA2, AAO1, ABA-GT, BG1), indicating reduced de novo synthesis with enhanced deconjugation of stored ABA. ET biosynthesis was curtailed in leaves via down-regulation of ACC oxidase (ACO1–3), with isoform-specific changes in ACC synthase (ACS). The ET receptor ETR1 was transiently expressed early (T1–T2). FsK itself showed staged activation of fungal ET-biosynthesis genes. These results reveal coordinated fungal–plant hormone control at the transcriptional level that promotes root development during early interaction and support FsK’s potential as a biostimulant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Symbiotic Fungi)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2155 KB  
Article
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Promote Soil Respiration Primarily Through Mediating Microbial and Root Biomass in Rocky Desertification Habitat
by Shuang Zhao, Shaojun Wang, Yali Song, Lingling Xie, Bo Xiao and Xiaofei Guo
J. Fungi 2025, 11(9), 616; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11090616 - 24 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1014
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can have complicated interactions with plants and soils, which play a critical role in mediating the soil carbon cycle. However, the mechanism by which AM fungi regulate soil respiration is not well documented. This study conducted a completely randomized [...] Read more.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can have complicated interactions with plants and soils, which play a critical role in mediating the soil carbon cycle. However, the mechanism by which AM fungi regulate soil respiration is not well documented. This study conducted a completely randomized block-design mesocosm experiment using the inoculation of AM fungi (RI: Rhizophagus intraradices; FM: Funneliformis mosseae) with Fraxinus malacophylla to identify the pathways of AM fungi controlling soil respiration in a rocky desertification habitat. We observed that the average soil respiration rates (3.78 μmol·m−2·s−1) were significantly higher in two AM fungi inoculation treatments than in the control (2.87 μmol·m−2·s−1). Soil respiration rates were 1.59-fold higher in RI fungi inoculation and 1.05-fold higher in FM inoculation than in the control. Explanation rates of microbial biomass carbon, biomass nitrogen, and root biomass in RI (57.46–76.49%) and FM (44.81–62.62%) inoculation for soil respiration variation were higher than those in the control (24.51–34.32%). The direct positive pathway of soil respiration was mainly regulated by microbial biomass (59.5%) and root biomass (34.90%), while the indirect positive contributions of soil physicochemical properties (30.00%), colonization level (3.50%), soil microclimate (19.30%), and enzyme activity (3.38%) to respiration dynamics ranked second. Thus, we conclude that soil respiration dynamics can be mainly controlled by AM fungi-mediated changes in microbial and root biomass in rocky desertification areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Symbiotic Fungi)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop