Legume response to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation in sustainable agriculture

Abstract

Globally, there is a widespread interest in the use of legumes due to their multifaceted functions. Also, legumes (Fabaceae, Syn. Leguminosae) are essential components in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems due to their ability to intimately interact with different rhizosphere microorganisms. Among soil microbiota, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are universal and ubiquitous rhizosphere microflora forging symbiosis with plethora of plant species roots and acting as biofertilizers, bioprotectants, mycoremediators, and biodegraders. The arbuscular mycorrhizal-legume (herb or tree) symbiosis is viewed as a better alternative for enhancing soil fertility and the rehabilitation of arid lands and, therefore, provides an important direction for future agricultural research. The sole application of AMF has been found to improve the overall performance of leguminous plants growing under diverse farming practices. In addition, the interaction of AM fungi with other plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria has shown considerable increase in growth and yield of legumes. Here, legume growth responses to single or composite inoculation of AMF for sustainable production of legumes cultivated in different agroecological niches are highlighted. Furthermore, mycorrhizal dependency of legumes and effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on productivity of legumes grown under stressed environment are described.