Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) as Potential Biocontrol Agents

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) belong to the phylum Glomeromycota and form a symbiotic relationship with more than 80% of land plants. They are beneficial for plants in many ways and extensively researched for their potential as biocontrol agents (BCA). First, we outline the origin of the concept, taxonomy and ecological distribution of AMF. Afterwards, current concepts of AMF as BCA against different types of plant pathogens and pests, e.g. nematode, fungi, bacteria, virus and insect along with their mode of action and mechanisms and factors regulating the effects and biochemical and molecular mechanism that regulates plant response to a pathogen, are presented. We further discuss key findings about AMF as BCA. Finally, the best approaches to incorporate this knowledge into sustainable agriculture, as well as the possible benefits of AM, are compiled. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.