Plant Defence Regulation Role Play of Mycorrhizal Fungi

Abstract

The agriculture system of today is exhaustive and demands a frameshift of the conventional agricultural concept if ecological balance has to be sustained. Regenerative agriculture brings forward such a concept, which encompasses a solution to the ecological and biodiversity crises, along with ensuring food safety and security. Regenerative agriculture aims to sustain the resources for the present and the future by adopting various regenerative practices and methodologies. The diversified role of mycorrhiza in crop production makes it a promising candidate for achieving this target. Mycorrhiza, which evolved parallelly with plants millions of years ago, plays a key role in soil biodiversity, soil health, fertility, nutrient cycling, nutrient re-allocation, C-sequestration, crop yield, and stress alleviation through various mechanisms. The abundance of mycorrhiza, even in polluted/degraded soil areas, and its reclamation and ameliorating properties make it an important component of regenerative agriculture. Numerous ongoing researches and experiments on such associations give a conclusive idea about the compatibility and multi-dimensional role of mycorrhiza in regenerative agriculture. Incorporation and utilization of such a two-way beneficial association in regenerative agriculture become imperative due to their association with 90% of plant species. Their widespread contribution makes mycorrhizal a potential biofertilizer, biodegrader, and bioprotector of the future regenerative agriculture system. © 2024 CRC Press.