Stomatal Behavior of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Plants

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses can affect the water balance of amply watered and droughted plants. The mycorrhizal influence most often examined within the field of water relations has been alteration of stomatal behavior. This review summarizes possible biophysical and biochemical mechanisms, discussing how AM fungus-induced changes in tissue hydration, plant size, tissue elemental concentrations and nonhydraulic root-to-shoot signaling may affect stomatal regulation. The review also provides a brief catalog of published mycorrhizal effects on stomata behavior. Dedicated to Professor William J. Davies, who has inspired much recent thought about whole-plant stomatal regulation in drying plants