TITLE:
Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and ecosystem processes: Prospects for future research in tropical soils
AUTHORS:
Geofrey Soka, Mark Ritchie
KEYWORDS:
Arbuscular; Mycorrhizal; Symbiosis; Hyphae; Soil; Tropical; Ecosystem
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.4 No.1,
January
14,
2014
ABSTRACT: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are more widely
distributed and can associate with a wide range of plant species. AMF are
keystone organisms that form an interface between soils and plant roots. They are
also sensitive to environmental changes. AMF are important microbial symbioses
for plants under conditions of P-limitation. The AMF are crucial for the functioning
of terrestrial ecosystems as they form symbiotic interactions with plants.
Mycorrhizal fungi are known to influence plant diversity patterns in a variety
of ecosystems globally. AMF hyphae form an extensive network in the soil. The length
is a common parameter used to quantifying fungal hyphae. The mycelial network
of AM fungi extends into the soil volume and greatly increases the surface area
for the uptake of immobile nutrients. Also, AM symbioses improve plants
tolerance to drought and enhance plants’ tolerance of or resistance to root
pathogens. Also, the networks of AM hyphae play a crucial role in the formation
of stable soil aggregates and in the building up of a macroporous structure of
soil that allows penetration of water and air and thereby prevents erosion. The
functioning of AMF symbiosis is mediated by direct and indirect effects of
biotic and abiotic factors of the surrounding rhizosphere, the community, and
the ecosystem. AMF have great potential in the restoration of disturbed land and
low fertility soil. However, despite the importance of AMF to terrestrial
ecosystems, little is known about the effects of environmental changes on AMF
abundance, activity and the impact of these changes on the ecosystem services.
Therefore, it is important to gain a clearer understanding of the effects of
environmental changes on the AM fungal species to guide conservation and
restoration efforts.