Mycorrhizal Association: A Mutualistic Relationship for Growth Enhancement and Disease Suppression in Crop Plants

Abstract

The symbiotic plant–microbe interaction is a remarkable phenomenon observed in the rhizosphere that determines the sustainability of the ecosystem by improving plant health and soil properties. In this beneficial relationship, the host plant provides necessary and other basic life supporting materials to the fungi, whereas fungi in-return helps to available essential minerals and life supporting nutrients especially P₂O₅ to the host plant. Instead of providing major nutrients, Mycorrhiza also acts as bio protectants against pathogens and toxic stresses during biological interaction. But nowadays, due to the changing environment and indiscriminate use of pesticides, pose a great menace to the existence of mycorrhizal species. Therefore, it is required to spread awareness in relation to save mycorrhizal fungi from extinction.