Phosphate-solubilizing fungi: Impact on growth and development of economically important plants

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an important mineral macronutrient required for proper growth and development of plants. It is involved in the synthesis of a series of fundamental cellular molecules such as phospholipids, nucleic acids, nucleotides, etc. Since it is deficient in soils, only a minute amount is available for plant acquisition. Moreover, soluble chemical fertilizers are quickly immobilized in soil and thus are not available for uptake by plants. So, alternative and cleaner agricultural practices have to be developed. In this regard, P supply through biological systems is considered a viable alternative, and inoculation of P-solubilizing microorganisms, especially fungi to soil, is a reliable source for increasing soluble P in soil. Phosphate-solubilizing fungi have been reported from different ecological niches such as agricultural fields, arctic region, forest, mangrove, mine areas, volcanic areas, vermicompost, etc. Following inoculation, phospho-fungi have shown to improve the growth of different group of plants such as cereals, legumes, oilseed and fibre crops, vegetables and horticultural crop, etc. Overall, the use of microbial inoculants particularly the phospho-fungi as a substitute to synthetic phosphatic fertilizers has been found effective in plant-growth promotion and inexpensive vis-à-vis maintaining the natural integrity and fertility of soil.