Effects of VA Mycorrhiza (VAM) on Nutrient Acquisition and Transmission of Plants

Vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) is the symbiont composed of vesicular-arbuscular fungi and fine roots of higher plants.VAM hyphae increase the absorption surface of roots and hence enhance the capacity of taking upmoisture andmineral nutrients (particularly phosphorus and microelements) of the symbiotic plants.VAM also strengthens resistance of the plants to water and nutrient stresses and reduces the necessity of fertilization and prevents the loss of nitrogen and phosphorus elements from the soil, thus preventing potential eutrophication of water body.VAM hyphae links, which connect different plants, can transmit nutrients among plants and therefore act as an important means of nutrient circulation in plant ecosystem.