Mycorrhiza-improved P acquisition of host plants: A mini-review

Guang-Ming Huang 1, Yong-Jie Xu 2, 3, * and Qiang-Sheng Wu 1, *

1 College of Horticulture and Gardening, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434025, China.
2 Hubei Key Laboratory of Economic Forest Germplasm Improvement and Resources Comprehensive Utilization, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for the Characteristic Resources Exploitation of Dabie Mountains, Huanggang Normal University, Huanggang 438000, China.
3 Hubei Academy of Forestry, Wuhan, Hubei 430075, China.
 
Review Article
GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2021, 14(03), 062-067.
Article DOI: 10.30574/gscbps.2021.14.3.0063
Publication history: 
Received on 03 February 2021; revised on 27 February 2021; accepted on 02 March 2021
 
Abstract: 
As a beneficial endophytic fungus, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely distributed in nature and can symbiotically grow with approx. 80% of terrestrial plants, helping host plants to grow and develop with increased tolerance to various stresses. One of the most important functions of AMF is to promote the uptake of P from the soil by the host plant. The available findings explain the role of mycorrhizal fungi. For example, AMF increase the phosphorus uptake area of plant roots by improving the root architecture, and the extraradical mycelium can extend beyond the phosphorus-deprived areas that are inaccessible to the root, helping to expand new phosphorus sources. AMF also increase the secretion of phosphatases and organic acids in plant roots to improve the soil environment for accelerating the conversion of insoluble phosphorus. The phosphorus transporter protein genes expression is induced by AMF to enhance host P acquisition. The review briefly outlines these potential mechanisms and suggests outlooks for future research.
 
Keywords: 
Acid phosphatase; Mycorrhizal fungi; Low phosphorus; Phosphate transporter
 
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