a multidisciplinary approach COST Action 870 From production to application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in agricultural systems: a multidisciplinary approach COST Action 870 Start date: 01/02/2007 End date: 01/02/2011 Year: 3 Chair: Dr. Ir. Jacqueline Baar Expertise center Triple E, Arnhem, The Netherlands

Action Parties Grant Holder: Expertise centreTriple E Dr. Ir. Jacqueline Baar Netherlands 2 2

Action participants 3 3

Use of COST instruments YR 1 YR 2 YR 3 YR 4 No. of MC / WG meetings 1 - No. of STSMs 2 No. of workshops / conferences 3 5 No. of joint publications 11 15 No. of training schools GASG (activities) Posters, website Website Poster, website, linkage IMS

Scientific context and objectives Problem statement: Development of a multidisciplinary approach to increase the knowledge needed for implementation of AM fungi in agricultural systems – creating a symbiosis between different scientific and applied fields

Scientific context and objectives Problem statement: Development of a multidisciplinary approach to increase the knowledge needed for implementation of AM fungi in agricultural systems MoU objectives: To increase application of AM fungi in agricultural systems ranging from low- to high-input systems. To identify plant genes which control the responsiveness of crop plants to AM fungi. The aim will be to focus on crops that are of economic value in the participating countries. To facilitate the development of AM fungal products with specificity for specific crops under different soil conditions and fertilization regimes. To develop an independent quality control system for AM fungal products.

Scientific context and objectives Research directions: Multidisciplinary approach combining different scientific fields ranging from plant breeding, (low input) arable farming and applied mycorrhizal research Plant breeding for better mycorrhizal associations Increasing knowledge about the soil as environment for mycorrhizal fungi Increased application of mycorrhizal fungal products in relation to costs and benefits Quality control of mycorrhizal fungi

Working groups Working group: Plant breeding and colonization of mycorrhizal fungi Working group: Quality control of mycorrhizal products Working group: Application of mycorrhizal fungi in agricultural systems ranging from low- to high-input systems in Europe north of the Mediterranean regions Working group: Application of mycorrhizal products specific for Mediterranean conditions

Results vs. Objectives Increased collaboration plant breeders and mycorrhizal researchers Linkage with International Mycorrhizal Society, particularly Mycorrhizal Commercial Relationship Committee Increasing knowledge about soil characteristics influencing the performance of mycorrhizal fungi Increasing application mycorrhizal in relation to costs and benefits

Significant highlights (1/2) Achievements since kick-off in February 2007 International experiments within COST Action 870 in which performance of mycorrhizal fungi is related to soil chemical properties Two workshops in which diversity of mycorrhizal fungi is related to chemical soil properties with almost all participating countries of Cost Action 870  development database and soil quality measure

Significant highlights (2/2) Achievements since kick-off in February 2007 Increasing interest in the application of mycorrhizal fungi at the International Conference on Mycorrhiza in 2009 Linkage to International Mycorrhizal Society for the development of an independent branch label for mycorrhizal fungi Commercial quality labels are adopted by companies Awareness of the need of more host and soil specific mycorrhizal fungi being cost effective

Challenges Making mycorrhizal fungi more attractive Development of education program for users of mycorrhizal fungi in collaboration with International Mycorrhizal Society-Mycorrhizal Commercial Relationship Committee Acceptation of the criteria for quality control of mycorrhizal products Development of mycorrhizal products that are cost effective, particularly for North Western Europe Mycorrhiza applied Without mycorrhiza

Challenges The more our world functions like the natural world, the more likely we are to endure on this home that is ours, but not ours alone” – Janine Benyus