Plant physiological mechanisms of salt tolerance induced by mycorrhizal fungi and piriformospora indica

Abstract

Salinity stress adversely affects plant growth and crop production worldwide. Microorganisms such as mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic fungi, Piriformospora indica, could play a significant role in this respect. In many arid and semi-arid areas of the world, which are considered limiting to crop growth and production, mycorrhizal fungi are a key component of sustainable plant production. The responses of mycorrhizal plant to salt stress are at the molecular, biochemical, and physiological levels. This chapter briefly reviews the mechanisms by which salt affects plant morphology and physiology and how plants may respond when in association with mycorrhizal fungi and the endophytic fungus P. indica under salt stress.