A review on methods of sterilization and inhibition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Soil

A symbiotic relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and plant roots is one of the hottest studies in the microbial research field currently. Establishing a nonAMF control group (nonAMF soil) is a key point to reveal effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on plants. This paper summarizes 5 methods, including autoclaving, chemical fumigation, irridation, benomyl and severance of hyphae, to establish nonarbuscular mycorrhizal fungi control groups. Autoclaving, chemical fumigation and irridiation can be adopted in indoor experiments, while the former two may affect the phsical and chemical charasteristics of soil and the latter is not enviromentalfriendly. Benomyl and severance of hyphae are suitable for outdoor experiments. The quantity of benomyl should be rigidly controlled due to its negative effects on the environment. Though severance of hyphae would not damage the environment, it may affect the exchange of water and nutrition between plants and soil. Thus, researchers should choose suitable methods for their studies auording to enviroment and purpose of the study.