Summary
This narrative review synthesises current knowledge on the mechanisms by which arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi form beneficial symbioses with host plants, improving uptake of phosphorus and other nutrients whilst conferring tolerance to drought, salinity, and other abiotic stresses. The paper gives particular attention to the molecular and hormonal signalling cascades — including strigolactone, auxin, and jasmonate pathways — that govern AMF colonisation and functional outcomes. It likely also addresses the broader implications of AMF-mediated improvements for soil structure and microbial community health, framing the fungal symbiosis as a multifaceted tool for sustainable crop production.
UK applicability
Whilst the review is international in scope and not tied to a specific agronomic context, its findings are directly relevant to UK arable and horticultural systems, where interest in reducing synthetic phosphorus fertiliser inputs and improving soil biology aligns with AMF-based strategies supported under agri-environment schemes and the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
Key measures
Nutrient uptake efficiency; phosphorus and nitrogen acquisition pathways; hormonal signalling markers (e.g. strigolactones, auxins, cytokinins); stress tolerance indicators; soil health proxies including microbial diversity and aggregate stability
Outcomes reported
The review examines how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance plant nutrient acquisition, abiotic stress tolerance, and soil health, with a focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms and hormonal regulatory pathways involved in the symbiosis.
Topic tags
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