Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Common Bean Roots: Agricultural Impact and Environmental Influence

Ana Paula Rodiño (), Olga Aguín, Juan Leonardo Tejada-Hinojoza and Antonio Miguel De Ron
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Ana Paula Rodiño: Misión Biológica de Galicia (MBG), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 36143 Pontevedra, Spain
Olga Aguín: Estación Fitopatolóxica Areeiro (EFA), Deputación de Pontevedra (DEP), 36153 Pontevedra, Spain
Juan Leonardo Tejada-Hinojoza: Misión Biológica de Galicia (MBG), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 36143 Pontevedra, Spain
Antonio Miguel De Ron: Misión Biológica de Galicia (MBG), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 36143 Pontevedra, Spain

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 13, 1-19

Abstract: Although many plant families are predominantly mycorrhizal, few symbiotic relationships between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been thoroughly studied. Mycorrhized plants tend to exhibit greater tolerance to soil-borne pathogens and enhanced plant defence. Legumes, including common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.), are essential sources of protein globally. To improve common bean productivity, identifying efficient native microsymbionts is crucial. This study aimed to identify native AMF associated with common bean roots that could act as biostimulants and protect against soil diseases under varying environmental conditions. Agronomic trials were conducted at MBG-CSIC (Pontevedra, Spain) in 2021 and 2022, testing combinations of nitrogen fertilization, Burkholderia alba , Trichoderma harzianum , and a control. Traits such as nodulation, biomass, plant vigor, disease severity, nutrient content, and yield were evaluated. Four AMF species across three genera were identified. No consistent pattern was observed in AMF influence on agronomic traits. However, reduced mycorrhization in 2022 was associated with decreased nodulation, likely due to higher temperatures. Surprisingly, yields were higher in 2022 despite lower colonization. These findings suggest that intelligent use of AMF could reduce pesticide use, enhance sustainability, and promote healthier food systems. Continued research and conservation efforts are essential to optimize their benefits in legume production.

Keywords: agriculture; biostimulants; crop diseases; environmental conditions; legumes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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