Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-induced alteration to tree-root architecture and longevity

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form mutualistic associations with most terrestrial plants, including trees. They can confer many benefits and are known to induce widespread changes in host plant physiology. For many years it was considered that colonisation by AMF did not alter root architecture but significant alteration has now been demonstrated unequivocally for several plants, including trees with AMF colonised plants usually possessing a more highly branched root system. More recently, alteration to root system longevity has also been measured with AMF colonised root systems being shorter lived. Mechanisms by which these changes occur are not understood but effects are not entirely due to altered phosphorus nutrition and are likely to involve AMF interaction with plant cell cycles. Future research should concentrate on defining the extent of AMF interactions with plant cell cycles in determining these changes.