Mechanisms and Challenges in the Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Fruit Trees

doi:10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0860

Acta Horticulturae Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 53 ›› Issue (4): 972-984.doi: 10.16420/j.issn.0513-353x.2025-0860

• Research on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Horticultural Plants • Previous Articles Next Articles

Mechanisms and Challenges in the Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Fruit Trees

XIAO Wang¹, ZHANG Fei², ZHENG Fengling¹, ZOU Yingning¹, WU Qiangsheng¹^,^*()

¹ College of Horticulture and Gardening，Yangtze University，Jingzhou，Hubei 434025，China
² College of Biology and Agricultural Resources，Huanggang Normal University，Huanggang，Hubei 438000，China

Received:2025-10-11 Revised:2025-11-02 Online:2026-04-25 Published:2026-04-20
Contact: WU Qiangsheng

Abstract

Abstract:

In light of global climate change，drought stress has emerged as a significant abiotic factor limiting the development of the fruit production industry. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi（AMF），which form mutualistic symbiotic associations with the roots of most plants（including the vast majority of fruit trees），play a crucial role in enhancing drought tolerance in plants. This review highlights the effects of drought on AMF colonization within fruit tree roots and summarizes the potential mechanisms through which AMF enhance drought tolerance. These mechanisms encompass the enhanced water uptake and transport，the facilitation of nutrient acquisition，the modulation of osmotic adjustment，the activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms，the maintenance of photosynthesis and growth，the regulation of polyamine homeostasis，the optimization of fatty acid metabolism，and the acceleration of signal transduction pathways. Furthermore，this review discusses the existing applications，prospects，and challenges associated with using AMF in the fruit tree cultivation for drought resistance. Additionally，future researches are proposed to lay the groundwork for utilizing AMF technology to mitigate drought stress and achieve water-efficient，high-yield fruit tree cultivation.

Key words: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, fruit trees, drought tolerance, antioxidant defense, water uptake, drought-resistant cultivation, review

XIAO Wang, ZHANG Fei, ZHENG Fengling, ZOU Yingning, WU Qiangsheng. Mechanisms and Challenges in the Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Fruit Trees[J]. Acta Horticulturae Sinica, 2026, 53(4): 972-984.

Figures/Tables 2

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Mechanisms and Challenges in the Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Fruit Trees

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