Challenges in Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Inocula in Conventional Agriculture

In conventional agriculture, benefits of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis are beyond utilization for years due to faulty management practices. The use of chemical fertilizers and other agrochemicals and intensive tillage affect arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis negatively, hampering root colonization, spread of intra- and extraradical mycelia, spore germination, and functions. Some of the AMF species are extremely sensitive to fertilization and other cultivation practices to survive. The application of phosphorus fertilization reduces plant’s dependency on AMF due to higher P availability in rhizosphere and such practices also minimize the other mycorrhizal-mediated benefits to the host plants. In this regard, mycorrhizal friendly farm practices such as minimal use of chemical fertilizers, promotion of green pesticides along with restricted or no tillage, organic farming, and crop rotation may improve or restore the infective propagules of native AMF species. Introduction of AM inocula, especially commercial, is not always effective in all soil conditions and may lead to the alteration of native AM flora.