Interacts of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plants in Agricultural Ecosystems

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are main component of agro-ecosystem present in the majority of natural habitats and have multiple functions in agriculture ecosystems. AMF–plant colonization can stimulate nutrient uptake such as N and P, and water. This alliance concerns the majority of plants and might considerably reduce their dependence on chemical fertilizers. In addition, colonization with AMF mitigates the adverse impacts of abiotic/biotic stresses and increases the protection of plants against pathogen. Despite AMF’s high prevalence in natural ecosystems, agricultural management such as conventional tillage, high P and N fertilizer, application of biocides reduces the AMF population size in soils. AMF can adversely affect the growth of some weed species demonstrating that AMF can be beneficial for integrated weed control. In contrast, increased growth, seed production and secondary metabolites in weeds make them a strong competitor against other plant species in the environment. Mycorrhizal fungi can impact the competitive relationship between crop-weed and have a remarkable impact on plant community structure. As a result, AMF communities are essential in improving sustainable agriculture because of their contribution to enhanced crop production and sustainable weed management techniques.