Ectomycorrhizal fungal symbiosis on plant nutrient acquisition in tropical ecosystems

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Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi are a major category of organisms involved in plant nutrient acquisition in forest soil, acting as mutualistic symbionts. The community of ECM fungi and its distribution is determined by different factors such as soil changes, climatic conditions, host specificity, and evolutionary processes. Scientists have proposed different classification methods based on their structures, morphology, phylogeny, and putative functions. Hosts’ symbiotic relationships enhance nutrient uptake, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), other macro and micronutrients, and water. To improve P acquisition by plants, ECM fungi secrete organic acids and phosphatases, boosting soil P availability. Additionally, host plants benefit from enhanced growth and resistance to diseases, as well as other stresses such as drought and the presence of heavy metals. ECM fungi obtain carbon (C) from their hosts, which is essential for their growth, reproduction and survival. Decomposition of soil organic matter, non-enzymatic mechanisms, and priming effects, which enhance the C and N cycling, are the major regulation methods of ECM fungi for nutrients. Additionally, soil microorganisms play a role of paramount importance in regulating the interactions between ECM and hosts. Interactions of ECM fungi are controlled by environmental factors such as temperature, pH, and salinity, which directly influence symbiosis. ECM fungi play a vital role in forest ecosystems and functioning by increasing plant nutrition.