ABSTRACT
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely distributed in soil and show mutual symbiosis with the roots of higher plants (~80%). This association attributes numerous benefits to plants such as biofortification, being able to improve quality, and increasing crop/agricultural productivity. Biofortification is getting more attention to increase the phytoavailability of macronutrients (P and N), micronutrients (Zn, Cu, and Fe) and Se in the major food crops. The symbiosis occurs in stages, the plants release chemical signals through the roots that favor the establishment of the fungus-plant association and colonization in the host plant roots. Studies have been shown that AMF increases both the concentration and the bioavailability of nutrients in plants. This information indicates the importance of inoculating plants in agricultural areas to minimize the use of chemical fertilizers and to reduce environmental impacts, in addition to improving soil quality. This chapter discusses the symbiosis process and the increased concentration and availability of macro- and micronutrients by crop plants in symbiosis with AMF.
