Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM)

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is a root endosymbiont association formed between soil   fungi of the ancient phylum Glomeromycota and terrestrial plants. More than 70-90% of    land plant species form AM symbiosis, improving the uptake of mineral nutrients and water. Several categories of mycorrhiza symbiosis have been distinguished based on their morphological characteristics of the fungal and plant species.

Function of the AM symbiosis is based on its influence on plant responses to their biotic and abiotic conditions. In most cases, mycorrhizal roots show enhanced resistance to pathogens. AM fungi are identified by formation of highly branched intra cellular fungal structures known as “arbuscules” which are the site of nutritional exchange, including water, minerals and sugars (mainly phosphate) between fungus and plant.

Medicago truncatula was chosen as a model plant,  it has smallest genome size of 500–550 million base pair (Mbp), short germination time, self- fertility and moreover it forms symbiosis with both bacteria and fungi.

To investigate the pathway used by plants during Arbuscular Mycorrhiza to increase the photosynthetic performance.

Mycorrhization can cause an increase in the amount of chlorophyll as well as in the efficiency of the photosynthetic activity.