Arbuscular Mycorrhizas: Physiology and Function - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792364449 ISBN 13: 9780792364443

Publisher: Springer, 2000

Synopsis

Recent years have brought an upsurge of interest in the study of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, partly due to the realization that the effective utilization of these symbiotic soil fungi is likely to be essential in sustainable agriculture. Impressive progress has been made during the last decade in the study of this symbiosis largely as a result of increasing exploitation of molecular tools. Although early emphasis was placed on the use of molecular tools to study physiological processes triggered by the symbiosis, such as expression of symbiosis-specific polypeptides and modulation of host defences, other applications await. It was obvious to us that gathering leaders in the field to summarize these topics and point out research needs was necessary if we were to understand the physiology and function of AM fungi at a molecular level. In addition, we have taken the opportunity to present these reviews in a logical sequence of topics ranging from the initiation of the life cycle of the fungus to its functions in plant growth and in the below ground ecosystem. It was a challenge to limit this flood of information to the confines of one text. This is a very exciting time for mycorrhiza biologists and it is our hope that some of this excitement is conveyed to our readers.

About this title

Review

`The book is well-produced with very few typographical and referencing errors. We commend this book to any pathologists wishing to learn more about the current state of knowledge of these organisms.'
Plant Pathology, 50(2001)
`I will finish by recommending this book to anyone with a research team working on AMF. It will save much wasted and costly time in repeating already undertaken research and concentrate efforts on more innovative experimentation.'
Geoderma,104(2001)
`The outward appearance of the book is good and it has a nice feel. The book will be useful in illustrating the statej of the art at the time of going to press and as a reference work and should be available in libraries for researchers and students alike.'
Soil Biology & Biochemistry, Vol.33 (2001)

Synopsis

This text provides a structured compilation of reviews of what is known about arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. Topics were selected to cover major steps in the life cycle of AM fungi (germination, signalling/recognition prior to colonization, and host regulation of colonization). Aspects of the physiological interaction within the root (regulation of host defenses, bidirectional transport of nutrients, modification of gene expression, and carbon metabolism) are then discussed. The focus then widens to effects of the mycorrhiza upon the whole plant (nutrition, water relations, reproduction, and resistance to disease), and expands further to essential aspects of the role of AM fungi in soil ecology (soil aggregation, and interactions with other soil microbes). Leaders in the field present critical reviews and point toward areas for future research. This volume should be helpful for both researchers in the field and those interested in a thorough knowledge of this symbiosis.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792364449
• ISBN 13: 9780792364443
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 378
• Editor: Kapulnik Yoram, Douds Jr. David D.