Maize's Secret Weapon: How Tiny Fungi Fight Pollution

The Problem: Antimony Pollution

Maize, a staple crop, faces a significant threat from antimony (Sb) pollution. This harmful substance infiltrates the soil, hindering plant growth and reducing nutritional value.

The Heroes: Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF)

Tiny fungi called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) might just be the solution. These fungi form a symbiotic relationship with maize roots, potentially helping plants survive and thrive in Sb-contaminated soil.

The Experiment

Scientists conducted an experiment growing maize plants with and without AMF in both normal and Sb-contaminated soil for about two and a half months.

Results: The Impact of Sb Pollution

• Fresh weight dropped by 66%.
• Dry weight dropped by 65%.

Results: The Power of AMF

• Fresh weight increased by 43%.
• Dry weight increased by 40%.

How AMF Work Their Magic

AMF help plants by:

• Enhancing nutrient absorption.
• Producing important metabolites that act as antioxidants, boosting plant resilience.
• Increasing antioxidant capacity by 65%.
• Producing more bioactive compounds, improving disease resistance and nutritional quality.

The Future: A Sustainable Solution

In a world where soil pollution is a growing concern, AMF offers a sustainable and eco-friendly way to boost crop resilience and improve food quality, even in contaminated environments.