Optimization of environmental and the other variables in the application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as an ecotechnological tool for sustainable paddy cultivation: a critical review

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are effective natural alternatives to assist plants in improving crop productivity and immunity against pests and diseases. However, a comprehensive idea of the variables under which they show optimum activity, especially concerning particular soil, climate, geography, and crop characteristics, has yet to be adequately standardized. Since paddy is the staple food for half of the world's population, such standardization is highly significant globally. Research concerning determinants affecting AMF functioning in rice is limited. However, the identified variables include external variables such as abiotic, biotic, and anthropogenic factors and internal variables such as plant and AMF characteristics. Among the abiotic factors, edaphic factors like soil pH, phosphorus availability, and soil moisture significantly affect AMF functioning in rice. In addition, anthropogenic influences such as land use patterns, flooding, and fertilizer regimes also affect AMF communities in rice agroecosystems. The principal objective of the review was to analyse the existing literature on AMF concerning such variables generally and to assess the specific research requirements on variables affecting AMF in rice. The ultimate goal is to identify research gaps for applying AMF as a natural alternative in the sustainable agriculture of paddy with optimum AMF symbiosis enhancing rice productivity.

Automated summary

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are effective natural alternatives to enhance crop productivity and immunity. However, there is a lack of standardized understanding of the variables that influence their activity, particularly in relation to soil, climate, geography, and crop characteristics. This knowledge gap is especially significant for rice, which is a staple food for a large portion of the world's population.