Dynamic Attributes of Mycorrhizal Fungus in Combating Environmental Stresses: A Review

Mycorrhizal fungi, found in soil and plant roots, form symbiotic relationships with higher plants, enhancing their growth, health, and resilience. These fungi, including arbuscular, ectomycorrhizal, endomycorrhizal, ectendomycorrhizal, monotropoid, arbutoid, orchid, and ericoid types, increase nutrient uptake, improve soil structure, and facilitate plant defense against pathogens and environmental stressors. In return, plants provide fungi with carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis. This mutually beneficial relationship is crucial for plant survival, productivity, and ecosystem functioning, particularly in nutrient-poor environments. Understanding the complex interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and plants is essential for developing sustainable agricultural practices, conserving ecosystems, and promoting biodiversity.