Market Avenues and the Availability of Mycorrhizal Products for Use in Agriculture by Farmers
摘要
Mycorrhizae, symbiotic associations between certain fungi and roots of most plants, play a vital role in enhancing plant growth by improving nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen. This symbiotic association also helps plants withstand environmental stress, heavy metal toxicity, and harmful pathogens, making them essential to plant health and development. The rapidly growing organic food industry has led to a significant increase in demand for mycorrhizal products. As consumers become more aware of health and environmental risks linked to food residues, they are increasingly opting for chemical-free alternatives. Consequently, mycorrhizal products have emerged as an excellent substitute, leading to a notable increase in the production of these mycorrhizal fungal products by commercial enterprises catering to the burgeoning agricultural market in recent years. The chapter reviews the market overview and types of mycorrhizal products, their availability, supply chains, and distribution channels, as well as the pricing and affordability of these products. Further, the chapter discusses available regulatory frameworks and future prospects and opportunities for mycorrhizal products. The availability of various types of mycorrhizal products, ranging from endomycorrhizal to ectomycorrhizal formulations in liquid, powder, and granular forms, is discussed in detail. In addition, the global market for mycorrhizal biofertilizers is classified into three aspects, namely seed treatment, soil application, and fertilization treatment, according to the method of application. The mycorrhizal product sector faces several challenges, including limited market knowledge, insufficient distribution strategies to meet the diverse needs of various clients, rising demand for modified products, retaining quality, the impact of farmers’ management practices in the field, traceability and longevity of inoculants, and production techniques and application. By adopting proper technological advancements and research approaches, the challenges can be overcome with time, thus leading to an enormous demand for mycorrhizal products in the future. This book chapter provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, businesses, and agricultural professionals interested in the market and availability of mycorrhizal products.