1. 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

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

3. Action participants 3 3

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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