Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

Symbiotic synergy: How Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi enhance nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and soil health through molecular mechanisms and hormonal regulation.

Ahmed N, Li J, Li Y, Deng L, Deng L, Chachar M, Chachar Z, Chachar S, Hayat F, Raza A, Umrani JH, Gong L, Tu P.

IMA Fungus · 2025

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Summary

This narrative review examines the symbiotic relationships between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and host plants, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms and hormonal regulation underpinning enhanced nutrient uptake and stress resilience. The paper likely synthesises current understanding of AMF-mediated phosphorus and nitrogen acquisition, root colonisation signalling, and the role of phytohormones in modulating the symbiosis. It also addresses broader implications for soil biological health, positioning AMF as a potential tool for sustainable agricultural intensification.

UK applicability

Although the paper is international in scope, the findings are broadly applicable to UK arable and horticultural systems, where AMF inoculants are of growing interest as part of regenerative and reduced-input farming approaches; UK soils depleted by conventional tillage and phosphorus fertilisation may particularly benefit from AMF management strategies.

Key measures

Nutrient uptake efficiency (phosphorus, nitrogen, micronutrients); stress tolerance indicators; soil health parameters; molecular signalling pathways; phytohormone concentrations and interactions

Outcomes reported

The paper reviews and synthesises evidence on how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) enhance plant nutrient acquisition, improve tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and support soil health through molecular signalling and hormonal regulatory mechanisms. It likely consolidates findings on phosphorus, nitrogen and micronutrient uptake pathways, alongside phytohormone interactions including auxins, cytokinins and abscisic acid.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil biology & microbiology
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Arable cereals
DOI
10.3897/imafungus.16.144989
Catalogue ID
NRmo3f02hq-005

Topic tags

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