Role and mechanism of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungiin enhancing plant stress resistance and soil improvement:a review
Significance Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)represent an ancient group of endomycorrhizal fungi capable of forming sym-biotic associations with over 90%of vascular plants in terrestrial ecosystems.AMF hyphae contribute to the acquisition of min-eral nutrients by host plant roots and improve soil ecological structure.Following AMF colonization of host plants,the activation of defense mechanisms in host plants enhances resistance against pathogens.Additionally,AMF occupation of colonization sites reduces the invasion of pathogens.These achievements have demonstrated significant efficacy in plant disease control,indicat-ing promising prospects for practical applications.Hence,it is imperative to systematically synthesize the mechanisms underly-ing disease resistance in the context of AMF and their host plants,as well as the reciprocal interactions influencing soil ecologi-cal amelioration by AMF.This endeavor aims to contribute novel perspectives to sustainable agricultural development and serve as a theoretical foundation for pertinent studies in the fields of plant-soil feedback effects and carbon-nitrogen cycling within ter-restrial ecosystems.Progress In this work,AMF are explored for their roles in enhancing plant nutrition,facilitating damage compensation,extend-ing plant lifespan,and influencingfactors such as competition for root colonization sites and host photosynthate with soil-borne pathogens.This paper delves into thefunctionsof AMF in promotingplant growth and improving soil ecological structure.Particu-larly,it focuses on their contributions to enhancing plant resistance to diseases,improving soil physical properties,and promot-ing soil biodiversity.AMF engage in interactions with other soil microorganisms,thereby facilitating the decomposition of organic compounds and the cycling of nutrients,which has profound ramifications on the health and stability of ecosystems.The pivotal role of AMF in soil remediation and the enhancement of soil ecological structure cannot be overstated.Their contributions encom-pass the amelioration of soil physical properties,facilitation of nutrient cycling,and augmentation of biodiversity.These multi-faceted functions play a crucial role in sustaining soil health and fostering ecological equilibrium.Conclusions and Prospects The role of AMF in enhancing plant stress resistance and improving soil ecological structure has gar-nered significantattention in ecological and agricultural research.Significant progress has been made in recent years,limitations in current research primarily lie in a more in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying the actions of AMF.This review highlights the potential application value of AMF in sustainable agricultural development and ecosystem health maintenance by analyzing its mechanisms in altering plant root morphology,competing with pathogens,and activating plant defense mecha-nisms.A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of AMF and its adaptability under different environmental condi-tions is crucial for future research in agricultural ecology.Continued exploration of the functional diversity and adaptability of AMF under different environmental conditions contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the practical application potential of AMF across various environments.As an emerging organic microbial fertilizer,AMF exhibits considerable potential to significantly enhance plant growth efficiency and reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.This not only presents potential economic and ecological benefits for agricultural production but also contributes to mitigating adverse environmental impacts associated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides.Understanding the capabilities of AMF serves to pro-pel agriculture towards sustainable development and offers novel solutions to the diverse challenges facing global agriculture.