Inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for production systems: science meets business

Abstract

The development of an industrial activity producing microbial inocula is a complex procedure that involves for companies not only the development of the necessary biotechnological know-how, but also the ability to respond to the specifically related legal, ethical, educational, and commercial requirements. At present, commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inocula are produced in nursery plots, containers with different substrates and plants, aeroponic systems, or, more recently, in vitro. Different formulated products are available on the market, which creates the need for the establishment of standards for widely accepted quality control. Progress should be made towards registration procedures that stimulate the development of the mycorrhizal industry. Biotechnology science linked to this industrial activity needs to be reinforced, particularly with regards to (i) the development of molecular probes for monitoring arbuscular mycorrhizal inocula in the field, (ii) increasing knowledge on the ecophysiology of AM fungi in anthropogenically disturbed ecosystems and on the interactions of AM fungi with other rhizosphere microbes, and (iii) selection of new plant varieties with enhanced mycorrhizal traits and of AM fungi with new symbiotic traits. However, one of the main tasks for both producers and researchers is to raise awareness in the public about potentials of mycorrhizal technology for sustainable plant production and soil conservation.Key words: Glomeromycota, biotechnology, quality control, legal aspects, commercial aspects.