Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the ecological implications of mycorrhizal associations in natural ecosystems and the role of soil or environmental factors, mycorrhizal fungus characteristics or host plant properties. Mycorrhizal associations are regulated by features of the host plant and mycorrhizal fungus, as well as by soil conditions and environmental factors. Factors which can influence the occurrence and effectiveness of mycorrhizal associations include (1) root properties (2) edaphic or climatic factors (3) soil organisms, (4) soil disturbance, and (5) host-fungus compatibility. Several other complex ecological topics also discussed in the chapter include (1) mycorrhizal phenology , (2) factors responsible for varying degrees of mycorrhizal dependency in host plants, (3) the role of mycorrhizal hyphae in soil (4) nutrient competition involving mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants, and (5) mycorrhizal interactions involving pollution and other stresses, the rhizosphere, soil properties and allelopathy. Finally, the chapter also discusses the population ecology of mycorrhizal fungi and the influence of their associations on plant population ecology.

Mycorrhizas in Natural Ecosystems

Taxonomy and phylogeny of the glomales, S. Rosendahl et al biodiversity and characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi at the molecular level, D. van Tuinen et al characterization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi by immunochemical methods, A. Hahn et al European bank of glomales - an essential tool for the efficient international and interdisciplinary collaboration, J.C. Dodd et al physiological characteristics of the host plant promoting an undisturbed functioning of the mycorrhizal symbiosis, C. Azcon-Aguilar and B. Bago recognition and infection process, basis for host specificity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, M. Giovannetti et al ultrastructural analysis reveals the complex interactions between root cells and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, P. Bonfante impact of mycorrhizal colonization on root architecture, root longevity and the formation of growth regulators, D. Atkinson et al biogeochemical cycling and arbuscular mycorrhizas in the sustainability of plant-soil systems, P. Jeffries and J.M. Barea arbuscular mycorrhizas and agrosystem stability, G.J. Bethlenfalvay and H. Schuepp hyphal phosphorous transport - a keystone to mycorrhizal enhancement of plant growth, I. Jakobsen et al approaches to the study of the extraradical mycelium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, J.C. Dodd water relations and alleviation of drought stress in mycorrhizal plants, M. Sanchez-Diaz and M. Honrubia impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on plant uptake of heavy metals and radionuclides from soil, K. Haselwandter et al biocontrol of plant pathogens using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, J.E. Hooker et al management of positive interactions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with essential groups of soil microorganisms, G. Puppi et al micropropagated plants, an opportunity to positively manage mycorrhizal activities, M. Vestberg and V. Estaun.

Impact of Arbuscular Mycorrhizas on Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Ecosystems

Material derived from hydrothermal carbonization: Effects on plant growth and arbuscular mycorrhiza

Publisher Summary This chapter emphasizes on the effects that lime and phosphate applications have on the soil–plant system. An understanding of such effects is essential for those involved in the development and management of acid, phosphate-fixing soils. The response of crop plants to liming has been reviewed extensively by Pearson. In acid soils with a pH less than 5.0–5.5, initial lime applications result in large increases in crop growth and yield. The positive growth response is because of amelioration of aluminium (Al) toxicity because the soluble and exchangeable soil Al precipitates as hydroxy-Al species as the pH is raised. An understanding of the chemistry of soil A1 is central to the understanding of the fertility of acid soils. Because phytotoxic concentrations of soluble and exchangeable A1 often limits crop production on acid soils, there is increasing interest in basing lime requirements on estimates of exchangeable or reactive pools of soil A1 rather than on the amount required to bring the soil to an arbitrarily defined pH such as 6.5. Phosphate deficiency is common on highly weathered acid soils that often possess a high phosphate fixation capacity. In soils high in organic matter, liming may result in an initial burst of microbial activity and the mineralization of soil organic phosphorus.

Lime and Phosphate in the Soil-Plant System

Influence of adverse soil conditions on the formation and function of Arbuscular mycorrhizas

The Influence of pH on the Germination of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Spores

Temperature and light effect on contamination and spore germination of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

At the turn of the century Bernard suggested that mycorrhizal fung may increase tuberization in solanaceous species (1). French investi gators undertook a number of studies to demonstrate the phenomenon their works are reviewed by Rayner (11). However, definitive conclusions could not be drawn, owing to inadequate methods and unavailability of pure fungal inoculum. Furthermore, as pointed out by Harley (6), soil solutions rich in soluble nutrients usually induce asymbiotic tuberization when potatoes are grown in artificial culture facilities, i.e., nutrient formulations aimed at optimal balances in field applications variably affected tuberization in hydroponic systems.

The Influence of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth and Tuberization of Potatoes

Temperature and light effect on contamination and spore germination of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [Gigaspora coralloidea, Gigaspora heterogama, Glomus mosseae]

N. E. Green

Papers

The Influence of pH on the Germination of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Spores

Temperature and light effect on contamination and spore germination of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

The Influence of Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Growth and Tuberization of Potatoes

Temperature and light effect on contamination and spore germination of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [Gigaspora coralloidea, Gigaspora heterogama, Glomus mosseae]