Improving the efficiency and sustainability of bio-energy crops through symbiotic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Mukherjee, A. and J.-M. Ane

Presented at the All Scientist and GLBRC Sustainability Meeting (2009-05-05 to 2009-05-07 )

Arbuscular mycorrhization (AM) is a mutualistic symbiotic association between plant roots and Glomeromycota fungi. This association benefits host plants by improving the uptake of nutrients, especially phosphorus, from the soil and by protecting them against biotic (pathogens) and abiotic stresses. Improving the establishment and the development of AM associations, especially in sub-optimal growth conditions has a tremendous potential to increase biomass production while limiting the use of fertilizers and pesticides. AM fungi can colonize bio-energy relevant crops such as maize, switchgrass or Miscanthus. However, little is known about the genetic basis of AM interactions in monocots. In order to understand the genetic pathways controlling the establishment and the development of AM in monocots, we have initiated a genetic screen to isolate mutants affected in AM on mutagenized M2 maize plants. Diffusible signals secreted by AM fungi (called Myc factors) have been shown to promote plant growth and root development in the model legume Medicago truncatula. Our results indicate that Myc factors from germinating spores of AM fungi strongly stimulate growth and modify root architecture in rice, Brachypodium distachyon and maize.

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