Advancing Mycorrhizal Research for Sustainable Ecosystem and Agricultural Practices

Mycorrhizal symbiosis, a mutualistic association between plant roots and soil fungi, plays a crucial role in enhancing plant nutrition, stress tolerance, and overall adaptation to environmental conditions, particularly in the context of climate change. Despite the long-standing recognition of these benefits, research has primarily focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying the establishment and functioning of these interactions. Recent studies have highlighted the significant role of fungal hyphae networks in soil carbon storage, further emphasizing the ecological importance of mycorrhizal symbioses. However, there remain substantial gaps in our understanding of how these interactions can be optimized for both natural ecosystems and agricultural applications, especially under the increasing pressures of global climate change.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate current research on mycorrhizal symbioses across various levels, from molecular and functional analyses to ecosystem studies and practical applications. The primary objective is to enhance our fundamental knowledge and facilitate its translation into ecological and sustainable practices for plant growth, soil management, and ecosystem maintenance. Key questions include the mechanisms of mycorrhizal establishment, their impact on plant performance and soil health, and their potential role in mitigating environmental stress linked to climate change.

To gather further insights into the multifaceted nature of mycorrhizal symbioses, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Mechanisms of establishment and functioning of mycorrhizal interactions
- Impact of mycorrhizal symbiosis on plant performance and soil functioning
- Management of beneficial soil-fungi-root interactions for better plant growth and adaptation
- Role of mycorrhizal networks in soil carbon storage
- Mycorrhizal interactions in natural ecosystems versus agricultural settings
- Responses of mycorrhizal symbioses to biotic and abiotic stress factors
- Innovative methods for studying mycorrhizal associations

We invite researchers to contribute Original Research articles, Methods, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Perspectives, or Opinion articles, particularly those presented at the 7th French Mycorrhizal Days in Montpellier in May 2024.

Keywords: Mycorrhiza, Symbiosis, Root, Plant Nutrition, Environmental Stress, Beneficial Interaction, Microbiome, Adaption, Tolerance

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.