Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Soil Health Amelioration and Plant Fitness Under Hostile Environment

The application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi stands out as a pivotal element for advancing soil biology and health. The strategic inoculation of plants with these symbiotic fungi significantly improves the resilience of plants to a myriad of biotic and abiotic stressors, exhibiting the diverse protective roles played by these fungi in fostering plant fitness under different agro-climatic zones. In a phosphorus-limited environment, the inoculation of AM fungi proves to be particularly advantageous. This agricultural practice extends benefits beyond merely enhancing overall soil health. It plays a crucial role in rendering phosphorus accessible to plants, especially in cases where such nutrients would otherwise be unavailable. This dual impact, addressing both soil health enhancement and improved nutrient availability, serves to underscore the nuanced and multifaceted importance of mycorrhizal interactions in the context of sustainable agriculture. Harnessing the potential of AM fungi in an appropriate manner offers a holistic and sustainable approach to addressing various challenges caused by biotic and abiotic stressors. This chapter endeavours to scrutinize the coevolution of crop maturation and progression with mycorrhizal interactions amidst challenging agroecological environs, with a particular emphasis on the role of such synergies in fostering food security.