Myristate and the ecology of AM fungi: significance, opportunities, applications and challenges

The New Phytologist
Matthias C RilligHaiyang Zhang

Abstract

A recent study by Sugiura and coworkers reported the non-symbiotic growth and spore production of an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus, Rhizophagus irregularis, when the fungus received an external supply of certain fatty acids, myristates (C:14). This discovery follows the insight that AM fungi receive fatty acids from their hosts when in symbiosis. If this result holds up and can be repeated under non-sterile conditions and with a broader range of fungi, it has numerous consequences for our understanding of AM fungal ecology, from the level of the fungus, at the plant community level, and to functional consequences in ecosystems. In addition, myristate may open up several avenues from a more applied perspective, including improved fungal culture and supplementation of AM fungi or inoculum in the field. We here map these potential opportunities, and additionally offer thoughts on potential risks of this potentially new technology. Lastly, we discuss the specific research challenges that need to be overcome to come to an understanding of the potential role of myristate in AM ecology.

References

Jun 10, 2017·Science·Leonie H LuginbuehlPeter J Eastmond
Jul 21, 2017·ELife·Andreas KeymerCaroline Gutjahr
Apr 1, 2018·The New Phytologist·Jeff R Powell, Matthias C Rillig
Jun 27, 2019·Nature Microbiology·Hiromu KameokaKohki Akiyama
Aug 2, 2019·Ecology Letters·Rohan C RileyJeff R Powell

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Citations

Jul 16, 2021·The New Phytologist
Aug 20, 2021·The New Phytologist·Besiana SinanajKatie J Field

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