Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi to Improve Abiotic Stress Tolerance and nutrient Use Efficiency in Crops

Dhrumiben Patel

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: MS.BIOTECH/SCI

Faculty Research Mentor: Mishra, Sasmita  

Abstract:

Plant growth and agricultural output are severely limited by abiotic stresses, including drought, heat, salinity, nutrient deficiencies, and heavy metal toxicity. Climate change exacerbates this stress. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of mycorrhizal fungi MF colonization for enhancing plant growth and tolerance to abiotic stress, including drought. The objective of this study was to conduct a detailed literature review on the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on abiotic stress tolerance in plants, focusing on drought stress tolerance. We conducted a literature review based on the responses, including effects on biomass, photosynthesis, nutrient content, nutrient-uptake-proteins, and metabolism. A comprehensive analysis of published data in peer-reviewed journals on crops such as maize, tomato, barley, and soybean revealed that AMF colonization increased photosynthesis, chlorophyll concentration, and gas exchange, resulting in enhanced shoot and root biomass. AMF colonized plants also enhanced the assimilation of major elements, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, during drought and high temperatures. Oxidative damage was reduced, and that improved stress adaptation. The study review found that AMF enhances plant stress tolerance and supports improving crop productivity in climate stress conditions. We are currently conducting additional experiments.Key words: Drought, mycorrhizal fungi, nutrient uptake.