Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.3, 150-161 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 151 yield and quality, how to enhance resistance, and how to improve the soil environment. By analyzing representative studies in the past two decades, we look at the application prospects of AMF in wheat cultivation, and also discuss the challenges and opportunities it may encounter in the development of green agriculture. 2 Types and Biology of Mycorrhizal Associations 2.1 Overview of mycorrhizal types (with emphasis on AMF) In major food crops like wheat, the most common type of mycorrhiza is arbuscular mycorrhiza, also known as AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi). It belongs to the Glomeromycota group of fungi. AMF can establish a mutually helpful relationship with wheat, helping the plant to better absorb minerals, enhance resistance, and improve yield and quality (Fiorilli et al., 2018; Ganugi et al., 2019; Akbar et al., 2023). In farmland, AMF is the most common type of mycorrhiza in wheat. Types such as ectomycorrhiza are rarely seen in grasses (Ganugi et al., 2019). 2.2 Morphological and functional features of AMF in wheat roots AMF forms three typical structures in wheat roots: arbuscules, vesicles, and hyphae. Arbuscules are where it exchanges nutrients with plant cells. Mycelium extends into the soil outside the roots to help the roots expand their absorption range (Fiorilli et al., 2018; Akbar et al., 2023; Han et al., 2025). AMF allows wheat to absorb more nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc, especially in soils with low nutrients (Abdel-Fattah and Asrar, 2012; Watts-Williams and Gilbert, 2021; Akbar et al., 2023; Han et al., 2025). In addition, AMF also affects the expression of some transporter-related genes in the roots, thereby improving the antioxidant and stress resistance of wheat. 2.3 Life cycle and colonization process of AMF The life process of AMF includes several stages: spore germination, hyphae growth, root entry, arbuscular formation and vesicle formation. Spores begin to germinate in the soil, hyphae will grow towards the wheat roots, then penetrate the outer layer of the roots, and finally form arbuscular formation in the root cortex, thereby exchanging nutrients with the plant (Abdel-Fattah and Asrar, 2012; Fiorilli et al., 2018). The colonization process of AMF is affected by many factors, such as soil conditions, plant genes, and the type of AMF itself. Different types of AMF also have different colonization abilities and effects (Abdel-Fattah and Asrar, 2012; Thirkell et al., 2019; de Souza Campos et al., 2021). 2.4 Host-specificity and diversity of AMF species relevant to wheat Wheat can form symbiosis with many AMF species, such as Rhizophagus, Claroideoglomus, and Glomus (Abdel-Fattah and Asrar, 2012; de Souza Campos et al., 2021; Akbar et al., 2023; Han et al., 2025). Different wheat varieties respond differently to AMF. Some varieties have high colonization rates, better nutrient absorption efficiency, and more obvious growth effects (Thirkell et al., 2019; de Souza Campos et al., 2021). The diversity of AMF species also affects their ability to promote wheat growth and nutrient absorption. Some AMF are particularly helpful for certain nutrients and may also change the morphology of wheat roots (Thirkell et al., 2019; de Souza Campos et al., 2021; Akbar et al., 2023). The host selection and species diversity of AMF are important foundations for achieving efficient nutrient utilization in wheat and promoting green agricultural management (Ganugi et al., 2019; Thirkell et al., 2019; de Souza Campos et al., 2021). 3 Mechanisms of Nutrient Uptake Enhancement 3.1 Role of AMF in improving uptake of key macronutrients (P, N, K) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can coexist with wheat roots, and this relationship can significantly improve wheat's ability to absorb phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and potassium (K). Especially in the case of potassium deficiency, AMF can regulate the expression of related genes and help the roots absorb more potassium. This not only makes wheat grow better, but also enhances its antioxidant capacity (Abdel-Fattah and Asrar, 2012; Han et al., 202). Different wheat varieties and environmental conditions will have differences in the absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus, but most of the time, AMF can pass these nutrients to wheat through the symbiotic pathway, improving its overall nutritional level (Abdel-Fattah and Asrar, 2012; Thirkell et al., 2019). In field trials, after wheat was inoculated with AMF, the phosphorus and potassium contents in the grains increased by 30.9%
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