Emerging Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Sustainable Agriculture: From Biology to Field Application.

Ajay Kumar, Reetesh Kumar, Pallavi Singh, Susmitha Kalaichelvan, Sergio de Los Santos-Villalobos, Naveen Kumar, Luiz Fernando, Rajeev Kumar, Manoj Kumar Solanki, Naveen Chandra Joshi, Olubukola Oluranti Babalola

Journal: MicrobiologyOpen 2025;14(5):e70082

PMID: 41129090

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Abstract

In recent years, increasing consumer demand for organic food and chemical free agricultural products has driven a shift toward microbial-based approaches, which are being adopted to replace traditional agrochemicals, used for nutrient supplementation and protection against plant pathogens. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can form symbiotic associations with up to 80% of plant roots, are widely employed as bio stimulants, biofertilizers, or biopesticides to improve agricultural productivity. Currently, a range of AMF strains are commercially produced and applied as soil inoculants to improve agricultural yields. Although the effectiveness of these inoculants depends on multiple factors, including the selection of AMF strains, choice of carrier materials and methods of application. In addition, production strategies play a critical role in determining both the concentration and the viability of the inoculum. Despite significant technological advancements, only a limited number of AMF strains have been commercially exploited as inoculants. Thus, the present review aims to briefly discuss the latest aspects of AMF biology, their functional role in abiotic and biotic stress management. Furthermore, this review paper also discusses different production strategies and highlights the challenges associated with the commercialization of AMF inoculants, including limited strain diversity, propagule viability, formulation stability, and inconsistent field performance.

Address: Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.; Department of Biotechnology & Bioengineering, School of Biosciences and Technology, Galgotias University,, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.; Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Clement Town Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.; Centre for Herbal Pharmacology and Environmental Sustainability, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, India.; Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, Mexico.; Department of Physics, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India.; Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.; Department of Life Sciences and Biological Sciences, IES University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.; Amity Institute of Microbial Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, India.; Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa.; Berkshire, UK.

DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.70082

MeSH Terms: Mycorrhizae, Agriculture, Soil Microbiology, Plant Roots, Symbiosis, Agricultural Inoculants, Crops, Agricultural