Utilization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi symbiosis-related genes from host plants in biotechnology for sustainable agriculture

In recent years, interest in the role of nutrient cycling in sustainable agriculture has significantly increased. The potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (AMFs) in nutrient cycling and plant growth improvement has long been recognized. However, there have been only a few studies on the identification and exploration of AM symbiosis-related plant genes for sustainable agriculture. We have developed a new constructive model for using host plant-derived AM symbiosis-related genes to improve breeding and AMF utilization for sustainable agriculture, particularly in the context of climate change. This model include: 1) the discovery of AM symbiosis-related genes in crop wild-relatives for molecular breeding and 2) the screening and propagation of AMFs that can help improve water-use efficiency and nutrient-use efficiency by crops, thereby reducing chemical fertilizer use in agricultural production. The first approach uniquely facilitates the identification of host plant-derived AM symbiosis-related genes, such as CHITIN ELICITOR RECEPTOR KINASE 1 (OsCERK1) from Dongxiang (DY) wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) (OsCERK1DY), MILDEW RESISTANCE LOCUS 1 (MLO1) from wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum), and WRKY60 from wild soybean (Glycine soja), for breeding purposes. The second one involves identifying soil-borne AMF species, such as Rhizophagus intraradices and Glomus mosseae for practical applications in the field. This suggestive model presents an emerging biotechnological potential for engineering climate-resilient crops.