An insight into mycorrhiza involved in building soil and plant health

Abstract

Symbiotic association between fungi and root are known as 'Mycorrhiza', plays a key role in growth of terrestrial plants. Interaction of Mycorrhiza with plants, fungi and environment is obligatory and somewhat complex. Mycorrhiza fungi offer substantial benefits to associated plants like increase in mineral nutrient uptake, protection against soil borne pathogens, increased resistance against abiotic stresses like drought and presence of toxic matters present in soil. They play an important role in sustaining soil health through soil aggregation, improving soil structure and thereby preventing soil erosion. Established fact about plant-mycorhiza association is growth promotion of cereal, fruits and vegetables. The communal request to decrease ecological harms related to unwarranted use of pesticide and growing end users' demands for organic food necessitates integration of microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in agricultural system.