Hyphosphere fungi-bacteria-plant interactions regulate phosphorus tradeoffs in the soil plant system

Tripartite interactions among arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and terrestrial plants are pivotal in plant stress resistance, nutritional cycling, and soil-microbe ecological functions. The convoluted association between AMF and PSB may play a significant role in the decomposition and absorption of soil organic phosphorus (P), because AMF dynamically secretes carbon-containing compounds from extraradical hyphae (ERH) to stimulate PSB growth rate and activities. PSB are the main contributors of plant nutrition and could play a pivotal role in making soluble P available to plants. In this context, this comprehensive review critically examined the AMF-PSB interactions in soil P mobilization, with a focus on soil biochemical dynamics, microbial ecology, physiological mechanisms, biochemical pathways, and gene expression. While the explored studies emphasize the role of AMF-PSB interactions in P mobilization, it is important to consider that many experiments used root-free compartments, potentially overestimating mycorrhizal contributions relative to root pathways. Future research should integrate root-inclusive systems to provide a more comprehensive understanding of P acquisition dynamics by regulating indigenous AMF in terrestrial ecosystems.