Mycorrhiza is one of the large group of soil microbial species that establish symbiotic relationships with most of the terrestrial plants. This symbiotic association helps Mycorrhiza in establishment, growth and survival. Understanding how it works, can help in increasing crop productivity. Along with that, it is important to know different types of Mycorrhiza and their type of association with plants. Let’s dive into the knowledge of Mycorrhiza in this blog and explore how it can be beneficial in agriculture.
Let’s understand what Mycorrhiza is
Mycorrhiza is a beneficial symbiotic association between soil fungi and plant roots. And by symbiotic association, it means that both fungus and plant benefit from each other. Fungus can get access to carbohydrates and other photosynthates from the plant while the plants can get improved access to water and nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) from the soil with the help of this fungus’s extensive network of hyphae. Many types of fungi can be found in Mycorrhiza and this can be Glomus, Rhizophagus, Funneliformis, Claroideoglomus, and others. The type of fungus in a Mycorrhiza depends on the type of mycorrhiza.
Types of Mycorrhiza:
There are few types of Mycorrhiza found in the soil, but out of them, EndoMycorrhiza and EctoMycorrhiza are most abundant and widespread.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi
The hyphae of these fungi form an external fungal sheath around the plant root surfaces and do not penetrate the cortical cells of plant roots. The cortical cells are in the outer layer of a plant’s stem or root. Fungi involved in this are Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Pycomyceta. This fungus also produces a Hartig Net, which is a network of hyphae that grows into the plant’s root from the hyphal mantle.
EndoMycorrhiza (Arbuscular Mycorrhiza, AMF)
This symbiotic association is more common than ectomycorrhizal fungi in the plant. The hyphae of these fungi grow inside the root cortex and penetrate the root cells. When this fungus enters the cortical cells, it makes a branched tree-like structure known as arbuscular, hence this Mycorrhiza is also known as Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi. These structures increase the surface area for nutrient transfer between fungi and root cells. It does not need to produce Hartig Net as it actually penetrates the cell walls of the plant root and enters the cells. Fungi involved in this are Glomeromycota. There are three types of EndoMycorrhiza which are Arbuscular, Orchid, and Ericoid.
This endoMycorrhiza are an obligate biotroph which means that they can survive and reproduce only on the host. These can survive in any type of soil and can live with any type of plant species.
EndoMycorrhiza in soils
These can form associations with most of the agricultural crops like maize, rice, wheat, soybean, sorghum, cotton, and other legumes & vegetables. It can increase the root surface area to absorb phosphorus and also increases water retention.
Role of Mycorrhiza in agriculture
Enhanced nutrient uptake
Mycorrhizal fungi help in bioavailability of phosphorus, nitrogen, carbon, and other micronutrients to the plants. Plants absorb Phosphorus in the inorganic form, and it is available in very limited quantities in the soil. As phosphorus mobility is very slow in soil hence its availability to the plants is depleted. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) facilitate phosphorus availability by recruiting phosphate-solubilizing bacteria that release phosphatase enzymes and this enzyme converts organic phosphorus into an inorganic form that plants can absorb. Additionally, AMF secrete organic acids that enhance phosphorus release from rocks and fertilizers.
Plants absorb nitrogen in the form of nitrates and ammonium ions. AMF helps in decomposition and mineralization of organic matter and converts it into plant-accessible nitrogen forms. It also increases uptake of micronutrients like zinc, copper, and iron.
Improved water absorption & drought resistance
Mycorrhizal fungi extends the root system of plants with its hyphal network to the parts of the soil where roots of the plant cannot reach and thereby enhances water absorption. It helps mainly under drought conditions and helps plants withstand drought stress. Mycorrhizal colonization can improve the rate at which water moves through the root system, leading to better water uptake.
Soil health & structure improvement
AMF helps in improving soil structure by binding soil particles together to form aggregates, which prevent soil erosion and improve aeration. These mycorrhizal hyphae can extend over 100 meters long in soil. When these hyphae die, they secrete a glycoprotein known as Glomalin. Glomalin attaches to soil particles and forms clumps that help resist soil erosion. It helps plants acquire nutrients, especially phosphorus.
Disease resistance & pest control
AMF produces antifungal and antibacterial compounds that help prevent infection by pathogens. It also enhances growth of beneficial microbes around plant roots after which both of these compete for resources with pathogens. It also produces antagonistic effects, like nematode parasitism. Furthermore, it can change the structure of plant roots, making them more resistant to pests and diseases.
Increased crop yield & quality
AMF improves soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability to the plants which helps them to thrive even under stress conditions. By expanding root surface area, AMF enhances phosphorus, nitrogen, and micronutrient uptake. Along with it AMF improves drought tolerance. Additionally, it offers biocontrol against soilborne pathogens and promotes plant health. These benefits lead to increased biomass, dry matter accumulation, and overall higher crop productivity. It enhances phosphorus uptake and P is a particularly important nutrient that mycorrhiza is very effective at accessing and delivering to plants.
Impact of conventional farming methods on Mycorrhiza
Modern farming methods like frequent tillage and heavy fertilizer use, can harm mycorrhizal fungi in the soil. These fungi help plants to absorb nutrients, but when their population declines, soil health and crop yields suffer from this.
Key impacts:
- Tillage damage: Repeated plowing breaks fungi hyphae networks and reduces their ability to support plants.
- Overuse of fertilizers: Too many nutrients, especially phosphorus, reduce the plant’s need for this fungi which leads to lower AMF colonization.
- Limited crop rotation: Some crops support mycorrhiza better than others hence poor rotation disrupts their balance.
- Pesticide impact: Certain chemicals can directly harm mycorrhizal fungi and weaken soil health.
Commercial use of mycorrhiza in agriculture
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Mycorrhiza-based Biofertilizers
Mycorrhizal fungi can be easily formulated into biofertilizers. The products prepared can serve as natural soil inoculants while ensuring sustainable crop productivity.
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Seed treatment
The seeds which are treated or coated with mycorrhiza spores develop an early symbiotic relationship upon germination. This early colonization helps in faster root development, leading to increased nutrient uptake from the start. This improves plant survival, especially in nutrient-deficient soils.
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Soil application
Mycorrhiza can be mixed directly into the soil or applied through irrigation to ensure fungal colonization. This method enhances soil structure, improves water retention, and supports long-term soil fertility, which makes it an effective strategy for large-scale farming.
Conclusion
Mycorrhiza play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture by forming a natural partnership with plant roots, enhancing nutrient absorption, improving water retention, and increasing resistance to stress and diseases. However, conventional farming practices like excessive tillage and chemical use can disrupt their beneficial effects. By integrating mycorrhiza-based biofertilizers, seed treatments, and soil applications, growers can restore soil health, boost crop yields, and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs. As agriculture moves toward more sustainable solutions, harnessing the power of Mycorrhiza is key to ensuring long-term productivity and environmental balance.
Peptech Biosciences is committed to providing high-quality mycorrhiza-based solutions to support modern farming with sustainable crop nutrition strategies.
