Success Story of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi as a Bio Protectant Against Major Plant Pathogens

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are considered as most commonly occurring living organisms in soil which play a significant role in improving plant growth and alleviating various environmental stresses. AMF helps in reducing infectious organisms mediated crop damages and facilitates plant growth, development, and stress tolerance, which ultimately results in sustainable agriculture production. It has been shown by several studies that AMF improves plant’s resistance against various plant diseases which are caused by organisms such as viruses, bacteria, nematodes and fungi. Plant pathologists along with environmental scientists have now been looking for more ecofriendly alternatives for controlling plant diseases and pests. The usage of AMF is one such significant bio-based option due to its better efficiency, ecological safety and varied applicabilities. The present chapter discusses the role of AMF in plant nutrition, growth and their potential use as biocontrol agent against major crop diseases and pathogens.