The use of mycorrhizae in crop production systems

Abstract

Symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots have only recently attracted more than academic interest. Mycorrhizae are now recognized as being significantly beneficial to the plant host, particularly where root systems are restricted and soil nutrient status is low. Obstacles to the wider realization of such benefits are the adverse effect on mycorrhizae of much current agricultural practice and the difficulty of producing pathogen-free inoculum in quantity.