Question By: Mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations between plant roots and certain types of fungi. These associations are beneficial for both the plant and the fungi. The fungi provide the plant with increased access to soil nutrients, particularly phosphorus, and in return, the plant provides the fungi with carbohydrates. Over the years, numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of mycorrhizae on plant growth and development. One of the lesser-known benefits of mycorrhizae is their potential to increase plant tolerance to environmental stress.
Environmental stress is a major limiting factor for plant growth and productivity. Stress factors such as drought, salinity, high temperatures, and heavy metals can negatively impact plant growth and development. However, several studies have shown that mycorrhizae can increase plant tolerance to these stress factors.
One of the ways mycorrhizae increase plant tolerance to environmental stress is by improving nutrient uptake. In conditions of drought or salinity, soil water is less available to plants, which can also limit their uptake of nutrients. However, mycorrhizae can help plants access nutrients in these conditions. For example, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can increase plant uptake of phosphorus, which is often limited in arid or saline soils.
Another way mycorrhizae increase plant tolerance to environmental stress is by improving the plant's water relations. In drought conditions, mycorrhizae can help plants maintain their water status by improving the water uptake efficiency of roots, or by reducing water loss through transpiration. In salinity conditions, mycorrhizae can help regulate the plant's salt uptake and distribution, which can improve plant growth.
Mycorrhizae can also enhance plant tolerance to high temperatures. For example, a study conducted on tomato plants found that inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved plant growth and photosynthesis under high temperature conditions. The mycorrhizae improved the plant's antioxidant defense mechanisms, which protected the plant against oxidative stress caused by high temperatures.
In heavy metal-contaminated soils, mycorrhizae can also increase plant tolerance by immobilizing the heavy metals in the soil, making them less available to the plant. In addition, mycorrhizae can increase plant uptake of essential minerals, such as iron, which can be limited in soils with high levels of heavy metals.
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