Most plants form root hyphal relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, especially arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). These associations are known to positively impact plant biomass and competitive ability. However, less is known about how mycorrhizae may impact other ecological interactions, such as those mediated by pollinators.

We performed a meta-regression of studies that manipulated AMF and measured traits related to pollination, including floral display, rewards, visitation, and reproduction, extracting 63 studies with 423 effects.

On average, the presence of mycorrhizae was associated with positive effects on floral traits. Specifically, we found impacts of AMF on floral display, pollinator visitation and reproduction, and a positive but non-significant impact on rewards. Studies manipulating mycorrhizae with fungicide tended to report contrasting results, possibly because fungicide destroys both beneficial and pathogenic microbes.

Our study highlights the potential for relationships with mycorrhizal fungi to play an important, yet underrecognized role in plant-pollinator interactions. With heightened awareness of the need for a more sustainable agricultural industry, mycorrhizal fungi may offer the opportunity to reduce reliance on inorganic fertilizers. At the same time, fungicides are now ubiquitous in agricultural systems. Our study demonstrates indirect ways in which plant-belowground fungal partnerships could manifest in plant-pollinator interactions.

Literature search, as described in the manuscript's main text's methods section.