Interplay between developmental cues and rhizosphere signals from mycorrhizal fungi shape root anatomy, impacting crop productivity

The rhizosphere is the interface between roots and the soil and the site of nutrient and water uptake for plant growth. Root anatomy and the physical, chemical, and biological components of the rhizosphere interact to influence plant growth. Several root developmental and rhizosphere signals combine in the patterning of root cortical anatomy and have implications for the plant’s hydro-mineral nutrition and carbon partitioning and therefore crop productivity, especially in edaphic stress.

Here, we highlight how mutualistic mycorrhizal fungi from the rhizosphere mobilize plant molecular actors controlling root anatomical traits, including cortical cell size, to facilitate their establishment and accommodation within the cortex. We explore the effects on plant growth and stress tolerance that may result from the changes in root anatomy driven by interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, including altering the metabolic efficiency required for nutrient exploitation. We also discuss opportunities for understanding the genetic control of root anatomy and rhizosphere interactions to enable a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and trade-offs of root-rhizosphere interactions for more productive crops.