Arbuscular Mycorrhizal: Invisible Allies in Plant Development

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish mutualistic associations with almost 80% of terrestrial plants, playing a fundamental role in soil vitality and plant development. They improve nutrient absorption, crop quality and contribute to sustainable agriculture. In addition, they help plants resist diseases and tolerate the presence of heavy metals and water scarcity, obtaining sugars and organic substances from the plants. The AMF-plant association constitutes an important evolutionary adjustment that supports plant functionality. The mycorrhization process involves a complex interaction that improves nutrient absorption and plant development. AMF enhances crop production, nutrient and water intake. Strengthens stress tolerance, with variable benefits depending on the type of plant and environmental conditions. AFM interact with other soil microorganisms, improving the development and resistance of plants to weather fluctuations. AFMs also improve soil structure and carbon storage, restoring soil health and promoting ecosystem stability. However, its application faces challenges, such as inconsistent results in the field and deficiencies in understanding its stress tolerance mechanisms. Future research should focus on creating efficient AFM communities tailored to specific crops and circumstances, leveraging new technologies to improve the understanding and optimization of formulations for inoculation.