过量土壤磷抑制真菌生长的机理

Phosphorus is an underappreciated resource that has nearly run out. On the other hand, it has been accumulated in agricultural soil at an accelerated rate during recent decades, which may results in migration of agricultural soil from carbon sink to resource, deterioration of soil quality, reduction in agricultural productivity and speed up of global climate changes. This blooming crisis forces us to reveal the mechanism of fungal suppression by excessive soil phosphorus. Here I propose a hypothesis to explain why excessive phosphorus inhibits fungal growth. High concentrations of phosphate ions change the structural stability of the fungal cell membrane and possibly increase the fluidity of the membrane lipids. Under a relatively high temperature, membrane fluidity may be further exacerbated, thereby undermining the structure of the fungal cell membrane. Technical strategies to test the hypothesis were stated. Meanwhile, the various applications based on the elucidation of this mechanism in biology and medical sciences were also discussed. The finding presented in this study explains the worldwide problem caused by the application of conventional chemical fertilizers, and sheds light on new development in medical science, pharmacy, agriculture and industry.