Importance and roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in new Caledonian ultramafic soils

Our knowledge about New Caledonian serpentine ecosystems has increased greatly during the past half-century, mainly thanks to Jaffre's group. However, research on soil microflora and plant symbionts started only in the nineties and was mainly published during the last two decades. We aim to synthesize these studies, focusing particularly on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Research on AMF consists firstly of a global and inventory approach aiming to produce a basic but essential lacking knowledge. These studies showed that AMF are abundant in ultramafic soils and concerned nearly all plant species of these ecosystems. Even Ni-hyperaccumulator plants and sedges, generally considered non-mycorrhizal, were found to be functionally colonized by AMF in New Caledonian ultramafic soils. The adaptation of AMF communities to the extreme conditions of these soils led to high levels of metal tolerance (particularly to Ni) and noticeable originality of the taxa. The influence of these symbionts on plant growth and adaptation was assessed in greenhouse and field conditions. An accurate selection of AMF isolates that improve plant growth, and plant metal tolerance was performed. It was demonstrated that combinations of AMF isolates with complementary functional traits showed highly synergistic effects on plant development. Finally, a partnership with a biotechnological company led to the production of an efficient commercial inoculant now used in the ecological restoration of mine-degraded areas. Today studies are focused mainly on the additive effects of AMF and mycorrhiza-helper bacteria.

Automated summary

Our knowledge of New Caledonian serpentine ecosystems has significantly increased over the past 50 years, largely thanks to the research conducted by Jaffre's group. However, studies on soil microflora and plant symbionts only began in the 1990s and have predominantly been published in the last two decades. This synthesis aims to explore these studies, with a particular focus on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Research on AMF has involved a global inventory approach to address the lack of basic knowledge. These studies have revealed that AMF are abundant in ultramafic soils and are associated with nearly all plant species in these ecosystems. Furthermore, it was discovered that even Ni-hyperaccumulator plants and sedges, which are typically considered non-mycorrhizal, are functionally colonized by AMF in New Caledonian ultramafic soils. The adaptation of AMF communities to the extreme conditions of these soils has resulted in high levels of metal tolerance, particularly to Ni. The influence of AMF on plant growth and adaptation has been investigated in both greenhouse and field conditions. Selective breeding of AMF isolates that improve plant growth and metal tolerance has been carried out, and it has been demonstrated that combinations of AMF isolates with complementary functional traits have highly synergistic effects on plant development. Furthermore, a partnership with a biotechnological company has led to the development of an effective commercial inoculant that is now used in the ecological restoration of mine-degraded areas. Current research is primarily focused on examining the additive effects of AMF and mycorrhiza-helper bacteria.