Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Diversity Under Abiotic Stress

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a key role in promoting plant growth and resilience to abiotic stresses like drought, salinity, and heat. By forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots, AMF significantly enhance the uptake of nutrients, especially phosphorus, often limited in stressed soils. This chapter explores how AMF help plants by improving water absorption, maintaining osmotic balance, and regulating ion homeostasis. It highlights the diversity of AMF species and their varying responses to stress, influencing plant support. The chapter also examines changes in AMF community structure under prolonged stress and their implications for plant productivity. Additionally, it delves into how AMF modify gene expression in host plants, impacting osmolyte production and stress-protective proteins like heat shock proteins. The strategic use of AMF offers sustainable agricultural solutions, reducing chemical inputs and enhancing crop resilience amid climate change.