Summary
This narrative review by Kothamasi examines the molecular dialogue underlying plant–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis and the broader plant–AMF–microbe holobiont. The paper synthesises current understanding of strigolactones and other bioactive metabolites as recognition signals, whilst highlighting critical gaps in knowledge about how AMF select and recruit cooperative microbes to complement their enzymatic limitations. The author argues that resolving these signalling mechanisms through targeted experiments is essential for advancing sustainable soil microbial management and ecosystem resilience.
UK applicability
The principles of plant–AMF–microbe signalling and rhizosphere chemistry are universally applicable to UK arable and horticultural systems. Understanding these below-ground communications could inform UK soil management practices and support domestic initiatives in regenerative agriculture and soil health enhancement, though the review does not present system-specific or climate-specific findings.
Key measures
Signalling molecules (strigolactones and bioactive metabolites); mechanisms of microbial recruitment by AMF; plant–AMF–microbe tripartite interactions
Outcomes reported
The paper explores chemical cross-talk mechanisms underpinning plant–AMF symbiosis and evaluates whether AMF use similar signalling molecules to recruit cooperative soil microbes. It identifies knowledge gaps in how AMF select and recruit growth-promoting microbial partners, and proposes that understanding these below-ground communications can inform sustainable ecosystem management.
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