Glomus spp. is an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus. ​An arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus is a type of fungi that forms symbiotic relationships with the roots of a vascular plant. (Rodrigues, 2020)

This means that because the plant roots and glomus are in close proximity, they interact with each and this relationship benefits both the host plant and the glomus. (Rodrigues, 2020)

• It penetrates the cortical cells of the plant roots and forms arbuscules, sites where nutritients are exchanged between the plant and the glomus. (Rodrigues, 2020)

Glomus is the largest genus of arbuscular mycorrhiza(AM) fungi. It is a eukaryote. There are over 85 species of glomus. (Rodriques, 2020)

Glomus are characterized by spores at the end of long branching filaments called hyphae. (Rodrigues, 2020)

It has semi-spherical swellings along and withing these filaments. ​(Rodrigues, 2020)

The structure consists of one spore is attached to each filament.​ (Rodrigues, 2020)

Spores are round and can be yellow, brown, or black. (Rodrigues, 2020)

Glomus acquire carbon and other carbohydrates from the plant host in exchange for nutrients. ​(Rodriques, 2020)

Stimulates phosphorus and other minerals within soil = increase crop yield, and detoxify soil. ​(Rodrigues, 2020)

Glomus is used within agriculture to protect crops from diseases.​ (Rodrigues, 2020)

Glomus can be found in many different habitats all across the world, some include costal marine ecosystems, grasslands, forests, and deserts. (Rodrigues, 2020)

• Glomus cannot live without a host plant but they can germinate without a host plant. (Rodrigues, 2020)​​

The study, Non-Synergistic Effect of Trichoderma harzianum and Glomus spp. in Reducing Infection in Fusarium Wilt in Banana, was conducted by some scientist in Switzerland to observe to effect of the fungicide T. harzianum and glomus spp. in reducing wilt caused by FocR4, a destructive fungus, on the Philippine banana plant. (Castillo, 2019)

The study consisted of applying 7 treatments, each to 9 banana plants. (Castillo, 2019)

After a 6 week period, the plant height, pseudostem diameter, and root weight were measured. The final measurements were compared against the initial measurements. (Castillo, 20219)

Disease incidence and progression were computed using the AUDPC or Area Under Disease Progression Curve. (Castillo, 2019)

T. harzianum and Glomus spp. increased plant height, stem diameter, and had heavier root weight​. (Castillo, 2019)

Glomus spp. protected seedlings against FocR4​. The figure to the right shows that when the glomus (T2) was applied the banana wilt plant had 100% protection against the FocR4. (Castillo, 2019)

The glomus had a positive effect on seedling growth and resulted in healthy seedlings​. (Castillo, 2019)

Treatments where both T. harzianum and Glomus spp. significantly delayed wilt. ​(Castillo, 2019)

Glomus spp. was the most effective treatment for delaying wilt and producing healthy seedlings. (Castillo, 2019)​

​Importance: The scientists recommended that Glomus be introduced to agriculture as an inoculum. (Castillo, 2019)

• An inoculum is an active material that helps to treat or prevent a disease.

It was also importantly noted that Glomus spp. could be applied as early as the seedling stage allowing for the reproduction and growth of healthy seedling. (Castillo, 2019)

Further Studies: Experiment tested on a larger sample size, what other benefits does Glomus spp. have on host plants, are these effects limited to certain host plants?