Mycorrhizal Fungi: Biodiversity, Ecological Significance, and Industrial Applications

Abstract

Mycorrhizae ("fungus roots") are mutualistic symbiotic associations between fungi and plants. Mycorrhizal association was found to be established between Ordovician and Devonian period. Mycorrhizal association is present in almost all ecosystems with a high degree of host specificity. About 40,000-50,000 fungal species form mycorrhizal association with nearly about 250,000 plant species. There are different types of mycorrhizal associations, namely, arbuscular mycorrhiza (71%), ectomycorrhiza (2%), orchid mycorrhiza (10%), ericoid mycor-rhiza (1.4%), non-mycorrhizal association (7%), and habitat-and nutritional-dependent association (8%). These symbiotic associations play a key role in evolution of land plants in reducing and harsh environment at that time. These sym-biotic associations provide up to 80% of N and P and also help in plant growth and fitness. There are a number of scientific evidences which have suggested that mycor-rhizal fungi not only improve crop yield but also increase antioxidants, vitamins, and essential trace elements in plants. Additionally, various researchers around the globe have investigated the effect of mycorrhizal fungi on production of secondary metabolites. Furthermore, application of mycorrhizal fungi is presently reaching to an industrial stage supported by widespread applied researches and marketable applications emphasizing an eco-friendly and sustainable aspects.