Interactions Between Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Other Microorganisms in the Rhizosphere and Hyphosphere

The ecosystem of the earth is fascinating and intricate. The interactions that occur in the soil affect its characteristics as a substrate for development and activity of soil microorganisms and plants. The majority of terrestrial plants have a symbiotic, mutually beneficial interaction with the soil fungi known as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These microorganisms expand the root’s absorption region, which improves the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients. The symbiont gets plant carbohydrates in return for accomplishing its life cycle. Additionally, AMF aids in the adaptation of plants to biotic and abiotic challenges including salt, drought, extremely high or low temperatures, heavy metals, diseases and infections. AMF are constantly interacting with ample variety of microbes, including endo-bacteria, rhizobacteria that encourage plant growth and mycorrhiza helper bacteria, plant parasitic nematodes, fungi and other microbes inhabiting the rhizosphere and hyphosphere. Their interactions may be of utmost significance and might affect agriculture. The present chapter summarizes the main microbial community groups and their interaction with AMF in the rhizosphere and hyphosphere along with the advantageous effects of AMF on plants.