Appraisal of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi in Fruit Production and Mitigation Against Stress: Current Insights and Prospects

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have emerged as a key biological fertilizer in sustainable fruit farming that promotes nutrient uptake, improving edaphic conditions, and increasing crop resilience to eco-physiological stressors. Through symbiotic relations with the higher plant roots, AMF facilitate the uptake of essential minerals and nutrients, leading to improved plant health, increased yields, and reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers. These attributes contribute to environmentally sustainable fruit production. This review explores the current applications, achievements, and limitations of AMF in fruit production, with a focus on commercially available inoculants and specific case studies demonstrating their efficacy. However, factors such as variability in the colonization efficiency, soil-specific interactions, and logistics challenges in larger-scale applications hinder their widespread adoption. Moreover, the compatibility with conventional crop varieties and the dynamic interaction within the soil microbiomes present additional challenges. The future perspective aims to enhance arbuscular mycorrhizal efficiency through breeding, genetic engineering, and elucidation of molecular signaling pathways to optimize plant-fungal interactions. The Integration of precision agriculture, advanced bioformulations, and biotechnological advancements is expected to improve AMF adaptability across diverse climatic conditions and cropping systems, thereby promoting their broader implementation in commercial fruit production.