Collection of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Hyphal Exudates Under in Vitro Culture Conditions

Hyphal exudates of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can be collected in vitro using dual-compartment or split-plate systems. AM fungi are co-cultivated with host roots in one compartment, while hyphae grow across the central barrier into a root-free hyphal compartment. Once sufficient hyphal growth is established, sterile nutrient solution or phosphate-buffered saline solution is added to the hyphal compartment. After 24-48 h, the solution is collected. This method enables root-free access to AM fungal secretions for metabolic and functional analyses.