Abstract: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) widely exist in soil and can form beneficial symbiotic relationships with terrestrial plants. Sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) are important group of bacteria for the oxidation of reducible sulfur and elemental sulfur in soil. SOB plays an important role in increasing soil fertility, reducing soil pH, and promoting plant growth. However, few studies have examined the cooperation between these two beneficial microorganisms. Here, we examined the effects of AMF and SOB on soil and plants, including soil quality improvement, plant growth, and transportation of mineral nutrients. Moreover, the effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis and microbial function on mineral transporters in AMF and three important sulfur oxidation pathways of SOB were also summarized. Based on the understanding the research status of AMF and SOB in recent years and the research progress of the interaction between AMF and other microorganisms, we analyzed the possible interaction between AMF and SOB and also gave prospects for further studies. This review provides a theoretical basis for using AMF and SOB as soil inoculants to improve soil and plant nutrition.

Key words: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, sulfur oxidizing bacteria, interaction, mineral transport, oxidation pathway.