Microbial interactions in litchi rhizosphere

Abstract

The litchi is one of the chief fruits of the Asian continent. It is grown almost half of the year and is enjoyed by people for its sweet juice as well as its soft pulp. Also, it is very rich in vitamin C and important minerals and antioxidants. Modern farming does not use chemical fertilizers; thus, bio-fertilizers are used, exploiting the relationship of microbial interactions to plant growth. Mycorrhizal fungi associations are found in the litchi rhizosphere, and these fungi acquire their nutrition from the associated host plants and consequently enhance access to phosphorus and nitrogen. The association between fungi and trees such as the litchi is recognized as vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM). In soil habitat, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are present in symbiosis with litchi roots and cause increase in root length by secreting plant hormones. Availability of appropriate temperature and nutrients will strongly influence the association of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with plant growth. Thus, the present chapter focuses on understanding how microbial flora interaction with the litchi rhizosphere helps to enhance the potential productivity of the litchi.