Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Biotization Enhances Stress-Resistant Morphophysiological Traits in Forest Tree Species

Forest cover is continuously decreasing due to several natural and anthropogenic activities. These natural and anthropogenic activities also affect the forest biodiversity. The outbreak of diseases by pathogenic microbes, insect pests, fire, and climate change not only affects the biodiversity of plant species but also the diversity of microbes in any ecosystem. Therefore, the implementation of eco-friendly approaches like the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is a need of the hour for the protection and sustainable development of economically important forest plant species vis-à-vis the conservation of beneficial microbes. AMFs are commonly known as bioinoculants which not only help in the growth and development of plant species by facilitating the nutrient supply and transport but also strengthen the adaptability of plant species through morphometric dynamics according to the changing environmental conditions. Furthermore, biotization of AMF improves morphometric traits like plastochron, biovolume, and quality stock indices along with the ability of host plant species to stress conditions such as salinity, drought, potentially toxic elements, and extreme temperatures by improving soil quality and increasing nutrient availability. Thus, more research is required on AMF-mediated enhancement of the quality and productivity of forest plant species as a matter of sustainable forest management. Therefore, this chapter provides comprehensive knowledge on arbuscular mycorrhizal biotization and its role in morphometric dynamics like plastochron, biovolume, and quality indices for quality seedling stock of forest tree species.