Mycorrhizal Fungi

Contents: Foreword. Preface. I. Mycorrhizal Fungal Biodiversity: 1. Ectomycorrhizae in Natural Ecosystems: Structure, Development and Functions. 2. Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and their Role in Conservation Agriculture. 3. Bamboo-Mycorrhizal Association. 4. Distribution and Diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. 5. Ecological Relevance of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Technology in Agroecosystem Services: Potentials and Challenges. II. Mass Multiplication of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: 6. AMF Spore Propagation: Conventional and Recent Advancements. 7. Mass Multiplication of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. III. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi as Biofertilizers: 8. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi as Biofertilizer and its Application to Different Horticultural Crops. 9. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: An Efficient Tool as a Biofertilizer. 10. Phosphorus Management in Agricultural Soils by Mycorrhizal Fungi. IV. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Stress Tolerance: 11. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis: A Boon for Sustainable  Legume Production under Salinity and Heavy Metal Stress. 12. Potential Use of AM Fungi for Better Utilization of Fly Ash in Agroecosystem. 13. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: An Eco-Friendly Bio-Resource for Enhancing Nutrient Use Efficiency and Drought Tolerance in Agricultural Crops.14. Saline Soils and Possible Ways for Reclamation using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi. V. Molecular Approaches and Biocontrol: 15. Control of Fusarium Wilt of Tomato including Arbuscular  Mycorrhizal Fungi. 16. Molecular Mechanisms and Events Coupled with Mycorrhizal Symbiosis. Index.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi are obligate root symbionts that are present in most terrestrial ecosystem and establish a mutualistic symbiosis with several plant species around the world. The use of biofertilizers as a source of plant nutrients for more sustainable agriculture practices involves a large number of microorganisms including AM fungi which have potential to enhance productivity in combination with a reduction in application of fertilizer. Mycorrhizas are an essential below-ground component in the establishment and sustainability of plant communities but thorough knowledge is required to have maximum benefits from these microorganisms. 

The book provides the various functional and potential application of AM fungi including topics such as biodiversity and dynamics of root colonization, phosphorus acquisition by AM Fungi, soil carbon sequestration, alleviation of salt stress, water stress, heavy metal toxicity, in mining site rehabilitation and biocontrol agent. This book will be a rich source of inspiration for research and exploitation of the potential of mycorrhizal fungi. (jacket)