Selection of beneficial fungi for plants with the potential to metabolize lunar and Martian regolith

The establishment of sustainable agriculture on extraterrestrial bodies (the Moon, Mars, etc. ) depends on transforming regolith, an unconsolidated, microbiota-free, mineral substrate, into a functional soil-like material with numerous beneficial properties including as a growth substrate for plants. Lunar and Martian regolith present physicochemical challenges, including alkaline pH, high concentrations of toxic elements (e.g., aluminum, manganese, perchlorates), and limited bioavailability of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This review explores the potential of beneficial fungi to support regolith-based agriculture (RBA) through biomineralization, nutrient mobilization, and bioremediation. We present fungal species capable of solubilizing phosphates, chelating metals via siderophores, and metabolizing iron and aluminum oxides, thereby enhancing nutrient accessibility. While some highlighted genera, such as Trichoderma , Penicillium , and Aspergillus , include well-known pathogenic species, they also encompass strains with potential applications for promoting plant growth under abiotic stress. Extremophilic fungi like Cryomyces antarcticus are also noted for their resilience. Furthermore, we discuss the potential role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) from the phylum Glomeromycota in promoting plant growth under harsh conditions. On Earth, these fungi are known to enhance iron uptake, mitigate oxidative stress, and improve soil structure via glomalin-mediated aggregation, mechanisms that may be applicable to regolith systems. We also examine fungal strains isolated from the International Space Station which may possess pre-adapted traits suitable for these off-world environments. While knowledge gaps remain, particularly regarding biosafety, strain selection, and performance validation under simulated extraterrestrial conditions, including radiation exposure, we contend that fungi are essential biotechnological allies for ISRU ( In Situ Resource Utilization), contributing to sustainable agriculture in both extraterrestrial habitats and degraded ecosystems on Earth. We emphasize the need for interdisciplinary research integrating astrobiology, microbial ecology, and space agriculture in preparation for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.