Glomerospores

Glomerospores are resting spores produced by some species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), belonging to the order Glomerales. These spores are a crucial part of the AMF life cycle, enabling the fungus to survive unfavorable environmental conditions such as drought, extreme temperatures, or lack of host plants. Glomerospores are typically large, ranging from 50 to several hundred micrometers in diameter, and possess thick, resistant walls that protect the internal contents.

These structures are formed asexually and contain a single, multinucleate protoplast. Their formation often occurs at the tip of a specialized hypha called a sporogenous cell. The glomerospores serve as a mechanism for dispersal, allowing the fungi to spread to new locations. When conditions become favorable again, the glomerospores germinate, producing new hyphae that can infect plant roots and re-establish the symbiotic relationship. The presence of glomerospores in soil is an indicator of AMF activity and can be used in ecological studies to assess the potential for mycorrhizal colonization in different environments. Their resilience makes them valuable for both natural ecosystems and agricultural applications, where they can contribute to plant health and nutrient uptake.