Symbiosis of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plants

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: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 6007

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: soil C, N, P cycle; fugal trait; decomposition
Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
Interests: root and fungi trait; AMF; global change; adaptive strategy

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Guest Editor
Mountain Area Research Institute, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
Interests: the function of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; efficient utilization of crop nutrients; agroecology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Symbiosis of mycorrhizal fungi and plants is an important basis for maintaining the diversity and functions of natural and agricultural ecosystem. The mechanism and shift of symbiosis between plants and mycorrhizal fungi are core key scientific problems in this field. Therefore, the Journal of Fungi has decided to launch a Special Issue on “Symbiosis of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plants”, in which research and review manuscripts in this topic are welcome. The main scope of this Special Issue includes: (1) the mechanism of plant and fungal symbiosis regulating soil C, N and P cycle; for instance how the symbiosis of mycorrhizal fungi and plants affects greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient leaching, soil carbon sequestration, etc.; (2) whether plants and fungi integrate to respond to global climate change: including covariation pattern of plant and fungal morphological and physiological traits; (3) how the symbiotic mechanism of plants and fungi change at different spatio-temporal scales and different soil nutrient environments, such as drought stress, land degradation, etc.

Dr. Aiping Zhang
Dr. Hongbo Li
Dr. Xinxin Wang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • funtional trait
  • environmental change

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 6561 KiB  
Article
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Diversity in Sophora japonica Rhizosphere at Different Altitudes and Lithologies
by Limin Yu, Zhongfeng Zhang, Peiyuan Liu, Longwu Zhou, Shuhui Tan and Shitou Kuang
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050340 - 8 May 2024
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play a key role in mediating soil–plant relationships within karst ecosystems. Sophora japonica, a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, is widely cultivated in karst areas of Guangxi, China. We considered limestone, dolomite, and sandstone at altitudes ranging [...] Read more.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play a key role in mediating soil–plant relationships within karst ecosystems. Sophora japonica, a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties, is widely cultivated in karst areas of Guangxi, China. We considered limestone, dolomite, and sandstone at altitudes ranging from 100 to 800 m and employed Illumina sequencing to evaluate AMF diversity and identify the factors driving S. japonica rhizosphere AMF community changes. We showed that the increase in altitude increased S. japonica AMF colonization and the Shannon index. The colonization of limestone plots was higher than that of other lithology. In total, 3,096,236 sequences and 5767 OTUs were identified in S. japonica rhizosphere soil. Among these, 270 OTUs were defined at the genus level and divided into 7 genera and 35 species. Moreover, available nitrogen, soil organic matter, and available calcium content had a coupling effect and positive influence on AMF colonization and Shannon and Chao1 indices. Conversely, available phosphorus, available potassium, and available magnesium negatively affected AMF Shannon and Chao1 indices. Lithology, altitude, pH, and available phosphorus are important factors that affect the dynamics of AMF in the S. japonica rhizosphere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symbiosis of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plants)
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13 pages, 2770 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Lithology and Slope Position on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Communities in a Karst Forest Soil
by Jin Zhao, Xunyang He, Dan Xiao, Meifeng Chen, Ming Cheng and Zhongcheng Wang
J. Fungi 2023, 9(12), 1133; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9121133 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 867
Abstract
The influence of lithology and slope position on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities has been explored in various ecosystems, but there is a limited understanding of these mechanisms in karst regions. This study focused on typical karst hills with contrasting lithologies, specifically dolomite [...] Read more.
The influence of lithology and slope position on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities has been explored in various ecosystems, but there is a limited understanding of these mechanisms in karst regions. This study focused on typical karst hills with contrasting lithologies, specifically dolomite and limestone. Additionally, three slope positions (upper, middle, and lower) were investigated within each hill in karst forest ecosystems. Total phosphorus (TP) content in the soil was higher in dolomite compared to limestone. Conversely, exchangeable calcium (Ca) was lower in dolomite than in limestone. Notably, the lithology, rather than the slope position, exerted a significant impact on AMF diversity and abundance and the presence of specific AMF taxa. Dolomite exhibited greater AMF richness and a higher Shannon index in comparison to limestone when not accounting for slope position. The AMF community composition differed between dolomite and limestone. For instance, without considering slope position, the relative abundance of Acaulospora, Diversispora, and Paraglomus was higher in dolomite than in limestone, while the relative abundance of Claroideoglomus displayed an opposing trend. Furthermore, a more complex interaction among AMF taxa was observed in dolomite as compared to limestone, as evidenced by an increase in the number of nodes and edges in the co-occurrence networks within the dolomite. The genera Glomus, Claroideoglomus, and Diversispora exhibited a higher number of links with each other and with other AMF taxa. The study identified TP and Ca as the primary factors determining variations in AMF diversity between dolomite and limestone. Consequently, it is imperative to consider the underlying lithology and soil conditions when addressing the restoration of degraded karst hilly areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symbiosis of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plants)
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13 pages, 3130 KiB  
Article
Effects of Interaction of Protein Hydrolysate and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Effects on Citrus Growth and Expressions of Stress-Responsive Genes (Aquaporins and SOSs) under Salt Stress
by Qi Lu, Longfei Jin, Peng Wang, Feng Liu, Bei Huang, Mingxia Wen and Shaohui Wu
J. Fungi 2023, 9(10), 983; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9100983 - 29 Sep 2023
Viewed by 901
Abstract
Protein hydrolysates (PHs) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are environmentally friendly biostimulants that effectively promote crop growth and alleviate the damage from abiotic stress. However, the physiological and molecular regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of PHs [...] Read more.
Protein hydrolysates (PHs) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are environmentally friendly biostimulants that effectively promote crop growth and alleviate the damage from abiotic stress. However, the physiological and molecular regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of PHs and AMF on growth, mineral nutrient absorption, and expression of Aquaporins and SOSs in Goutoucheng (Citrus aurantium) under salt stress. Results showed that PH application and AMF inoculation significantly promoted plant growth and enhanced mineral element absorption and sodium effluxion in citrus under salt stress. The biomass, root activity, leaves mineral nutrition contents in PHs, AMF, and combined (PHs and AMF) treatments were significantly higher than those of control. Leaves sodium content in three treatments was significantly lower than in the control. AMF and combined treatments showed dominant effects than PHs alone. Besides, PHs interacted with AMF on growth, nutrient absorption, and sodium effluxion. Importantly, AMF and PHs induced stress-responsive genes. PIP1, PIP3, SOS1, and SOS3 expression in PHs and AMF treatments was significantly higher than control. Thus, it was concluded that AMF and PHs enhanced the salt tolerance of citrus by promoting nutrient absorption and sodium effluxion via up-regulating the expression of PIPs and SOSs. The mixed application of PHs and AMF had a better effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symbiosis of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plants)
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12 pages, 1693 KiB  
Article
Effects of Interaction between Claroideogolmus etuicatum and Bacillus aryabhattai on the Utilization of Organic Phosphorus in Camellia oleifera Abel.
by Yuxuan Huang, Yulan Lin, Linping Zhang, Fei Wu, Yang Zhang and Shaohua Huang
J. Fungi 2023, 9(10), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9100977 - 28 Sep 2023
Viewed by 822
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are involved in phosphorus (P) mobilization and turnover; however, the impact of their interaction on plant P absorption and organic P mineralization in the hyphosphere (rootless soil) are unknown. This study examined the interactive [...] Read more.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are involved in phosphorus (P) mobilization and turnover; however, the impact of their interaction on plant P absorption and organic P mineralization in the hyphosphere (rootless soil) are unknown. This study examined the interactive effects of two native microorganisms, namely Claroideogolmus etuicatum and Bacillus aryabhattai, and the effects of co-inoculation of both microorganisms on organic P mineralization and the subsequent transfer to Camellia oleifera, using a three-compartment microcosm with a nylon mesh barrier. The results demonstrated that the co-inoculation treatment (AMF + PSB) significantly increased the plant P content and biomass accumulation in C. oleifera compared to those of the non-inoculated control. Furthermore, co-inoculation boosted soil phosphatase and phytase activities as well as the liable P content. Compared to the non-inoculated control, inoculation of AMF decreased the NaOH-Po content. A correlation analysis showed that AMF colonization and hyphal density was significantly positively correlated with H2O-P and NaHCO3-Pi and negatively correlated with NaOH-Po. It was shown that co-inoculation could increase phosphatase activity, phytase activity, and promote the liable P content, thus increasing the phosphorus content and biomass accumulation of C. oleifera. In conclusion, AMF and PSB interactively enhanced the mineralization of soil organic P, and therefore positively affected P uptake and plant growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symbiosis of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plants)
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14 pages, 2978 KiB  
Article
Resistance of Mycorrhizal Cinnamomum camphora Seedlings to Salt Spray Depends on K+ and P Uptake
by Lin Xue, Peng Liu, Aiping Wu, Lijia Dong, Qiqian Wu, Mingshui Zhao, Hua Liu, Yan Li, Naili Zhang and Yanhong Wang
J. Fungi 2023, 9(10), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9100964 - 26 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 826
Abstract
Salt spray is a major environmental issue in coastal areas. Cinnamomum camphora is an economically important tree species that grows in the coastal areas of southern China. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can alleviate the detrimental effects of abiotic stress on host plants. However, [...] Read more.
Salt spray is a major environmental issue in coastal areas. Cinnamomum camphora is an economically important tree species that grows in the coastal areas of southern China. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can alleviate the detrimental effects of abiotic stress on host plants. However, the mechanism by which AMF mitigates the adverse effects of salt spray on C. camphora remains unclear. A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, where C. camphora seedlings were exposed to four AMF regimes (inoculation with sterilized fungi, with Glomus tortuosum, Funneliformis mosseae, either alone or in combination) and three salt spray regimes (applied with distilled water, 7, and 14 mg NaCl cm−2) in order to investigate the influence on root functional traits and plant growth. The results showed that higher salt spray significantly decreased the K+ uptake, K+/Na+ ratio, N/P ratio, total dry weight, and salinity tolerance of non-mycorrhizal plants by 37.9%, 71%, 27.4%, 12.7%, and 221.3%, respectively, when compared with control plants grown under non-salinity conditions. Mycorrhizal inoculation, particularly with a combination of G. tortuosum and F. mosseae, greatly improved the P uptake, total dry weight, and salinity tolerance of plants grown under higher salt spray conditions by 51.0%, 36.7%, and 130.9%, respectively, when compared with their counterparts. The results show that AMF can alleviate the detrimental effects of salt spray on C. camphora seedlings. Moreover, an enhanced uptake of K+ and P accounted for the resistance of the plants to salt spray. Therefore, pre-inoculation with a combination of G. tortuosum and F. mosseae to improve nutrient acquisition is a potential method of protecting C. camphora plants against salt spray stress in coastal areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symbiosis of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plants)
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18 pages, 4271 KiB  
Article
Electrical Conductivity and pH Are Two of the Main Factors Influencing the Composition of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Communities in the Vegetation Succession Series of Songnen Saline-Alkali Grassland
by Lin-Lin Fang, Ya-Jie Liu, Zi-He Wang, Xiao-Yu Lu, Jin-Hua Li and Chun-Xue Yang
J. Fungi 2023, 9(9), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9090870 - 23 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1509
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely distributed microorganisms in the soil, playing an important role in vegetation succession, plant community diversity, and improving soil physicochemical properties. In this study, morphological identification and high-throughput sequencing technology were used to comprehensively analyze the AMF community [...] Read more.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely distributed microorganisms in the soil, playing an important role in vegetation succession, plant community diversity, and improving soil physicochemical properties. In this study, morphological identification and high-throughput sequencing technology were used to comprehensively analyze the AMF community composition and diversity at different succession stages of Songnen saline-alkali grassland. To determine the root colonization status of plants collected in the field, a colonization system was established using late-succession plants as host plants to verify the existence of mycorrhizal symbiosis and the matching phenomenon of AMF in Songnen saline-alkali grassland. The results indicated that both morphological methods and high-throughput sequencing technology showed that glomus was the dominant genus of AMF in Songnen saline grassland. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and linear regression analysis showed that electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were the main environmental factors affecting AMF species diversity and community structure in the succession sequence of Songnen saline grassland. In addition, the results of root colonization identification and the colonization system test in the field showed that AMF successfully colonized vegetation at different succession stages and had mycorrhizal symbiosis. The results of this study could help to understand the AMF community of Songnen saline-alkali grassland as well as provide a reference and basis for optimizing the AMF community structure of Songnen saline-alkali grassland through human intervention in the future and using mycorrhizal technology to restore and rebuild the degraded ecosystem of Songnen saline-alkali grassland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symbiosis of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plants)
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