Harnessing the Potential of Symbiotic Associations of Plants in Phosphate-Deficient Soil for Sustainable Agriculture

Many plants associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi for nutrient acquisition, and most legumes also associate with nitrogen-fixing rhizobial bacteria for nitrogen acquisition. The association of plants with AM fungi and rhizobia depends on the perception of lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs) produced by these micro-symbionts. Recent studies reveal that cereals can perceive LCOs better in soil deprived of phosphate (Pi) and nitrogen to activate symbiosis signaling and form efficient AM symbiosis. Nevertheless, the Pi deficiency in the soil hinders the symbiotic association of legumes with rhizobia, ultimately reducing nitrogen fixation. Here, we discuss a mechanistic overview of the factors regulating root nodule symbiosis under Pi-deficient conditions and further emphasize the possible ways to overcome this hurdle. Ignoring the low Pi problem not only can compromise the functionality of the nitrogen cycle by nitrogen fixation through legumes but can also put food security at risk globally. This review aims to bring the scientific community's attention toward the detrimental response of legumes toward Pi-deficient soil for the formation of root nodule symbiosis and hence reduced nitrogen fixation. In this review, we have highlighted the recent studies that have advanced our understanding of these critical areas and discussed some future directions. Furthermore, this review highlights the importance of communicating science with farmers and the agriculture community to fully harness the potential of the symbiotic association of plants in nutrient-deficient soil for sustainable agriculture.