<p>Pteridophytes occupy a key evolutionary position in land plant evolution and provide a framework for understanding the early establishment and diversification of plant-fungus symbioses. Early anatomical observations identified arbuscule- and vesicle-like structures in ferns and lycophytes, providing some of the earliest evidence for arbuscular mycorrhizal associations in this lineage. Throughout much of the twentieth century, however, research mainly remained descriptive, focusing on colonization patterns and morphological features. With the advent of molecular phylogenetics and high-throughput sequencing, this perspective has significantly expanded. Later studies revealed that pteridophytes associate not only with Glomeromycotina but also with Mucoromycotina, fine root endophytes, and dark septate endophytes, indicating a more diverse and complex symbiotic network than previously thought. Nevertheless, a comprehensive functional understanding of these interactions remains limited. Molecular insights into pteridophyte–mycorrhizal symbiosis remain underdeveloped compared with those in angiosperm model systems. Important aspects such as symbiotic signaling pathways, gene expression dynamics, nutrient exchange mechanisms, and regulatory networks are poorly understood. Furthermore, the extent of fungal specificity across different life stages of pteridophytes, such as gametophyte and sporophyte, and across various evolutionary lineages, remains unclear. Integrative approaches combining phylogenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and microbiome profiling are scarce. Addressing these gaps will enhance our understanding of the origins and evolution of symbiotic mechanisms in early vascular plants and support the use of these associations in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.</p>