Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
Production of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungal Inoculum and Phenotypic Evaluation of Rice and AM Symbiosis Under Saline Conditions
Published on: March 14, 2025
Uptake Kinetics of Arsenic in Upland Rice Cultivar Zhonghan 221 Inoculated with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
1a Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, and Department of Biology Hong Kong Baptist University , Hong Kong SAR.
Abstract:
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) appear to be highly associated with arsenic (As) uptake in host plants because arsenate (As(V)) and phosphorus (P) share the same transporter, whereby AMF can enhance P uptake. A short-term experiment was conducted for low- (0 to 0.05 mM As) and high-affinity (0 to 2.5 mM As) uptake systems, to investigate the AMF role on As uptake mechanism in plants, which may explain As uptake kinetics in upland rice cultivar: Zhonghan 221. When concentration of As ranged from 0 to 0.05 mM, Funneliformis geosporum (Fg) significantly decreased arsenite (As(III)) and monomethylarsonicacid (MMA) uptake when (p < 0.05) compared to non-mycorrhizal (NM) treatment, since the major route for (As(III)) in rice roots-rice silicon transporter Lsi1 would be influenced by Fg inoculation at high As concentrations. Fg can also reduce As(V) uptake significantly (p < 0.05) under both uptake systems relative to NM treatment, whereas, Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) increased As(V) and MMA uptake in rice roots, with MMA uptake rate generally lower than As(III) and As(V). Using suitable AMF species inoculation with rice, As uptake and accumulation in rice grains can be reduced and the risk to human health, once consumed, can be minimized.
Insights
Certain arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can reduce arsenic (As) uptake in rice. Inoculating rice with Funneliformis geosporum lowered arsenic absorption, potentially minimizing health risks from contaminated grains.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) influence plant nutrient uptake, including phosphorus (P).
- Arsenic (As) and phosphorus share transporters, suggesting AMF may affect As uptake.
- Understanding AMF's role in As uptake is crucial for managing As contamination in crops like rice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of specific AMF species on arsenic uptake mechanisms in upland rice.
- To elucidate the role of AMF in arsenic uptake kinetics under varying arsenic concentrations.
- To determine if AMF inoculation can reduce arsenic accumulation in rice.
Main Methods:
- Short-term experiment with upland rice cultivar Zhonghan 221.
- Inoculation with Funneliformis geosporum (Fg) and Funneliformis mosseae (Fm).
- Assessment of arsenic (As(III), As(V), MMA) uptake under low and high arsenic concentrations compared to non-mycorrhizal (NM) controls.
Main Results:
- Funneliformis geosporum significantly decreased arsenite (As(III)), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and arsenate (As(V)) uptake compared to NM.
- Fg's effect on As(III) uptake was linked to its influence on the rice silicon transporter Lsi1 at high As concentrations.
- Funneliformis mosseae increased As(V) and MMA uptake, though MMA uptake rates were generally lower than As(III) and As(V).
Conclusions:
- Specific AMF species, like Funneliformis geosporum, can reduce arsenic uptake in rice.
- AMF inoculation strategies could be developed to mitigate arsenic accumulation in rice grains.
- Reducing arsenic in rice through AMF application can minimize human health risks associated with consumption.
