Rhizosphere Mycorrhizae communities an input for organic agriculture

Abstract

Mycorrhizae are an important biotic factor that influences tropical ecological succession and differently affect the woody species belonging to different successional stages. They are key components of the soil microbiota that play an essential role in plant growth, plant protection and soil quality. These fungi are widespread in agriculture systems and are especially relevant for organic farming because they can act as natural biofertilizer and enhance plant yield. The interaction between organic practices and Mycorrhizae populations are limited and inconsistent. Here, we explore the various roles they play in organic farming systems with special emphasis on their contribution to crop productivity. Present proceedings highlights that organic low-input systems have a high potential to maintain the Mycorrhizae, keeping the soil fertile and productive and point the need to incorporate AM technology in organic farming to stop deterioration of agricultural and forest land and other adverse factors. Symbiotic associations between Mycorrhizae and plant roots are widespread in the natural environment and can provide a range of benefits to the host plant. These include improved nutrition, enhanced resistance to soil-borne pests and disease, improved resistance to drought, tolerance of heavy metals and better soil structure. However, many agricultural practices including use of fertilizers and biocides, tillage, monocultures and the growing of non-mycorrhizal crops are detrimental to Mycorrhizae. As a result, agro-ecosystems are impoverished in Mycorrhizae and may not provide the full range of benefits to the crop without Mycorrhizae.