Summary
This global meta-analysis synthesised recent experimental evidence on the differential benefits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species and taxonomic groups for plant performance. The analysis revealed that AMF confer stronger positive effects on plant phosphorus nutrition than on growth or nitrogen uptake, with broadly equivalent benefits to plants under both biotic and abiotic stress. Notably, Diversisporales were most beneficial for unstressed plants whilst Gigasporales showed greatest efficacy for plants facing biotic stress, providing evidence-based guidance for selecting AMF bio-inoculants in agricultural and restoration contexts.
Regional applicability
The findings are potentially relevant to UK arable and horticultural practice where soil phosphorus availability and stress resilience are agronomic concerns, though the meta-analysis does not isolate UK-specific conditions or climate contexts. Application would require site-specific trials to assess AMF performance under temperate British soil and weather conditions.
Key measures
Plant growth metrics; phosphorus nutrition; nitrogen nutrition; plant performance under biotic stress (pathogen, parasite, herbivore exposure); plant performance under abiotic stress (drought, salinity, heavy metal exposure); comparative efficacy by AMF species and taxonomic group
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the comparative effects of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) species and taxonomic groups on plant growth, phosphorus uptake, nitrogen uptake, and stress tolerance. It separately assessed AMF efficacy in plants facing biotic stresses (pathogens, parasites, herbivores) and abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, heavy metals).
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