Pathogenic Microbes Increase Plant Dependence on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Pathology
• Mycology

Background:

• Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are known to enhance plant nutrient uptake and defense against pathogens.
• Limited understanding exists regarding how plant pathogenic microbes influence AMF's growth-promoting effects on plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the impact of plant pathogenic microbes on the growth-promoting effects of AMF using meta-analysis.
• To identify key factors influencing the interaction between AMF and plant pathogens in promoting plant growth.

Main Methods:

• A meta-analysis was conducted using 650 paired observations from 136 published studies.
• The different effect of AMF with plant pathogenic microbes (DAPP) on plant growth was calculated.
• Selection models were used to identify factors influencing DAPP.

Main Results:

• AMF demonstrated a significantly higher effect size on plant growth (shoot/total fresh biomass, shoot/root/total dry biomass) in the presence of pathogenic microbes.
• The level of harm caused by plant pathogens was the primary factor negatively correlated with DAPP.
• Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root length colonization (RLC) was a secondary factor positively correlated with DAPP.

Conclusions:

• Plant pathogenic microbes can modulate the effectiveness of AMF in promoting plant growth.
• Understanding pathogen-induced changes in AMF efficacy is crucial for optimizing AMF applications in agriculture.
• The findings highlight the complex interactions within agroecosystems and the potential of AMF in sustainable agriculture.