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Deciphering the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Pathway of P Uptake in Non-responsive Plant Species

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Abstract

Although arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses are considered to be mutualistic, plant benefit is not always immediately obvious. Non-responsiveness in terms of growth and phosphorus (P) nutrition is observed in a wide variety of plant species, including natives and some widely cultivated crops (e.g. cereals). Non-responsiveness is primarily attributed to variations in the exchange of carbon (C) and P between the symbionts. Here, we explore recent insights into P uptake in non-responsive plants. The AM pathway of P uptake can be functional in non-responsive plants, as shown by fungal 32/33P uptake, which has raised questions regarding functionality of the direct uptake pathway. As the mechanisms for P uptake via AM and direct uptake pathways are revealed, we can begin to explore functional differences at the molecular level. Identifying factors which influence AM responsiveness will provide critical insights for future crop breeding efforts.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Mark Tester and Olivier Cotsaftis for supervision of the project, helpful discussions and ongoing support. Emily Grace is grateful for a Commonwealth Hill postgraduate research scholarship and to the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics for research support and infrastructure. Part of our research program is also supported by the Australian Research Council.

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  1. Soil and Land Systems, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Waite Campus, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005

    E. J. Grace, F. A. Smith & S. E. Smith

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  1. E. J. Grace
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  2. F. A. Smith
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  3. S. E. Smith
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Correspondence to S. E. Smith .

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    Grace, E.J., Smith, F.A., Smith, S.E. (2009). Deciphering the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Pathway of P Uptake in Non-responsive Plant Species. In: Azcón-Aguilar, C., Barea, J., Gianinazzi, S., Gianinazzi-Pearson, V. (eds) Mycorrhizas - Functional Processes and Ecological Impact. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-87978-7_7

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