Fungal and Plant Tools for the Uptake of Nutrients in Arbuscular Mycorrhizas

Better understanding nutrient transfer within AM symbiosis is a milestone for future sustainable and environmentally viable agriculture. • Nitrogen (N) AM fungi absorb inorganic and organic nitrogen forms and transfer them to the plant, where specific ammonium transporters are included. • Phosphorus (P) Phosphorus is a nonrenewable resource, and AM fungi significantly improve plant P nutrition. Phosphate itself and plant phosphate transporters are key regulators of AM symbiosis. • Sulfur (S) AM fungi transfer sulfur and improve plant sulfur status, especially when it represents the growth limiting factor. • Systemic effect AM symbioses provide deep beneficial effects for host plants, including uncolonized regions of roots, shoots, and fruits. Future Issues • Which nutrient signals regulate and execute inhibition or induction of AM development? • Within the AM interface how much nutrient reabsorption is generated by symbiotic AM fungi?What is the role of plant nutrient transceptors in the establishment and the maintenance of arbusculated cells? • How does plant and fungal natural variation affect AM fitness and effects?