Using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to improve nutrient and water-use-efficiency of rice production

Micronutrient deficiencies affect millions of people worldwide. Increasing iron and zinc levels in staple foods such as rice can help improve nutrition and health outcomes.

This report explores how arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can support Australian rice production. These beneficial soil fungi live in plant roots and help crops take up nutrients and water more efficiently. They can also help plants cope with challenging growing conditions.

Researchers studied several Australian rice varieties under controlled conditions. They examined grain nutrition, plant growth and water use. The team also used advanced imaging to track nutrients within rice grains.

The study found that AM fungi thrived in aerobic (non-flooded) rice systems and performed better than in flooded systems. Several rice varieties showed better growth, higher nutrient uptake and improved grain quality. AM fungi increased zinc levels in parts of the grain in Reiziq, Sherpa and Topaz.

The fungi also increased potassium levels in several varieties. In addition, aerobic rice systems used less water than flooded systems. Topaz and Viand achieved better water-use efficiency under these conditions.

These findings show how AM fungi could improve rice nutrition and support more water-efficient farming. The report summarises key findings from a PhD project and identifies opportunities for future research and on-farm adoption.