177: The Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi with Paul Schreiner

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, commonly abbreviated to AMF, coevolved with plants from 500 million to one billion years ago. Fossil evidence shows AMF in existence back when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Paul Schreiner, Research Plant Pathologist at USDA-ARS in Corvallis Oregon explains that grapes are a very receptive host for AMF and their symbiotic relationship benefits both organisms. AMF helps plants obtain nutrients like potassium and phosphorous. The plant provides AMF with sugars and fatty acids. AMF lives both inside and outside of the plant. Inside the plant, they form arbuscules inside the root cell. These structures look like little trees and increase surface contact dramatically. Outside the plant, AMF mines for nutrients, likely releases carbon, and prevents soil erosion with its root hair-like structure.

Listen in to learn the practices you want to use, and not use to increase AMF populations.

References:

• 149: Fair Market Trade: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Grapevines
• 151: The Role of the Soil Microbiome in Soil Health
• 165: Become a Microbe Farmer: Make Compost
• Article Abstract: The diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi amplified from grapevine roots (Vitis vinifera L.) in Oregon vineyards is seasonally stable and influenced by soil and vine age
• Paul Schreiner, Oregon State University Courtesy Appointment
• Paul Schreiner on ResearchGate
• USDA-Agricultural Research Service Publications

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