Mycorrhiza-The Multifunctional Biofertilizer

Abstract

The role of fungi, particularly those selectively colonizing the root surfaces of growing plants, in increasing the availability of phosphorus has received scanty attention. The fungi arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) has many beneficial effects on plant growth, including enhanced nutrition, improved plant growth, and better biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Moreover, by improving the soil properties, the hyphal networks of these AM fungi will minimize the risk of water and wind erosion. This potential of AM fungi encourages a flourishing industry of AM-related substrates, mainly in the plant production and landscaping sectors. Although the potential benefits of AM fungi for some crops have been well documented, more research is needed to determine their suitability for other crops. The various aspects, which are fully reflected in this chapter, are mycorrhiza-history, classification, mode of action, crop specificity, AM production technology, quality standards, and methods of analysis, along with future opportunities for AM application.