Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are crucial for the growth and development of most terrestrial plants, enabling them to withstand abiotic stresses. Abiotic stress such as salinity, drought, extreme temperature, heavy metals, and carbon dioxide hampers plant growth. Abiotic stresses are being elevated because of abrupt climatic changes and agricultural malpractices such as excessive fertilizer and pesticide use, which is also hazardous for human consumption. To cope with the adverse effects, we need a reliable system that can monitor and control all these deleterious effects on plants, and AMF is one of the appropriate methods to create a sustainable platform for agriculture. Mycorrhizal symbionts grow together with the roots of higher plants, aiding them in the uptake of minerals and nutrients, which results in improved plant growth and yield even under stressed conditions. In return, these symbionts receive carbohydrates for the completion of their lifecycle. The role of AMF, as a bio-fertilizer, can strengthen the quality of crop plants, by elevating soil health and enhancing ecosystem stability. In this review, we will investigate how different abiotic stress factors can negatively affect plant growth, the role of AMF in controlling those stresses, its impact and effect on plant growth and yield, its use as a bio-fertilizer in agricultural fields, and its interaction with other organisms.
Key words: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Abiotic stress, Plant growth, Stress tolerance, Biofertilizer
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