Exploring the role of endophytic fungi in the amelioration of drought stress in plants

Alulutho Nombamba, Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji and Olubukola Oluranti Babalola
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Alulutho Nombamba: Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji: Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
Olubukola Oluranti Babalola: Food Security and Safety Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa

Plant Protection Science, 2024, vol. 60, issue 3, 213-228

Abstract: Drought is one of the environmental stresses that threaten food availability. It results in decreased crop yields and developments and diminishes overall plant health. Chemical solutions for alleviating drought stress may be harmful to the environment. Using an alternative, microorganisms help counter the effects of drought stress. Endophytes have a mutualistic relationship with the host as they provide protection and get nutrients. Fungal endophytes assist plants in countering the damaging results of drought stress by producing phytohormones and growth-promoting compounds that promote root and shoot growth and enhance crop productivity. Inoculating maize plants with endophytic fungi like Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium sp. have a higher chance of surviving drought stress. These organisms can increase root length, allowing moisture to reach deeper into the soil. This review explores endophytic fungi's roles in alleviating drought stress's consequences on plants. More investigations should be carried out on the favourable effects of fungal endophytes in the mitigation of drought stress through pot and field inoculation.

Keywords: maize; plant protection; plant-growth promotion; endophytes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:caa:jnlpps:v:60:y:2024:i:3:id:25-2023-pps

DOI: 10.17221/25/2023-PPS

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