The mycorrhizal symbiosis: research frontiers in genomics, ecology, and agricultural application

• Published in: The New phytologist Vol. 242; no. 4; pp. 1486 - 1506
• Main Authors: Martin, Francis M., Heijden, Marcel G. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2024; Wiley
• Subjects: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; biodiversity; Biology; DNA barcoding; Ecology; Ecosystem services; ecosystems; ectomycorrhizal fungi; ericoid mycorrhizal fungi; forestry; Fungi; Genes; Genetics; genome; Genomes; Genomics; Life Sciences; Metabolism; mutualism; mycorrhizae; Nutrient cycles; Nutrient dynamics; Nutrient uptake; orchid mycorrhizal fungi; Organic matter; Plant diversity; Plant Sciences; Plant species; Plants genetics; plant–microbe interactions; population genetics; Soil organic matter; Soil structure; species diversity; stress tolerance; Sustainability; Sustainable agriculture; Sustainable ecosystems; Symbiosis; transcriptomics; population genetics; ericoid mycorrhizal fungi; biodiversity; plant-microbe interactions; arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; ectomycorrhizal fungi; mutualism; orchid mycorrhizal fungi
• ISSN: 0028-646X; 1469-8137; 1469-8137
• DOI: 10.1111/nph.19541

Summary Mycorrhizal symbioses between plants and fungi are vital for the soil structure, nutrient cycling, plant diversity, and ecosystem sustainability. More than 250 000 plant species are associated with mycorrhizal fungi. Recent advances in genomics and related approaches have revolutionized our understanding of the biology and ecology of mycorrhizal associations. The genomes of 250+ mycorrhizal fungi have been released and hundreds of genes that play pivotal roles in regulating symbiosis development and metabolism have been characterized. rDNA metabarcoding and metatranscriptomics provide novel insights into the ecological cues driving mycorrhizal communities and functions expressed by these associations, linking genes to ecological traits such as nutrient acquisition and soil organic matter decomposition. Here, we review genomic studies that have revealed genes involved in nutrient uptake and symbiosis development, and discuss adaptations that are fundamental to the evolution of mycorrhizal lifestyles. We also evaluated the ecosystem services provided by mycorrhizal networks and discuss how mycorrhizal symbioses hold promise for sustainable agriculture and forestry by enhancing nutrient acquisition and stress tolerance. Overall, unraveling the intricate dynamics of mycorrhizal symbioses is paramount for promoting ecological sustainability and addressing current pressing environmental concerns. This review ends with major frontiers for further research.