MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Halotolerant Endophytic Fungi: Diversity, Host Plants, and Mechanisms in Plant Salt–Alkali Stress Alleviation

Summary

Certain fungi living inside plants can help crops survive in salty and alkaline soils that would normally damage them. These special fungi work with plants by regulating salt ions, boosting natural antioxidants, and producing protective compounds. Research shows these fungi partnerships can increase crop yields by 15-40% in challenging saline soils, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical interventions.

Background

Salinization affects over 1.381 billion hectares globally, reducing crop yields by 30% and threatening agricultural productivity. Halotolerant endophytic fungi represent a critical biological resource for mitigating plant salt-alkali stress. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with host plants without causing pathogenic damage.

Objective

This comprehensive review analyzes 150 scientific publications to reveal the diversity, host specificity, and multifaceted mechanisms of halotolerant endophytic fungi in enhancing plant stress tolerance. The study examines isolation techniques, functional validation from laboratory to field applications, and bioactive metabolites involved in salt-alkali stress alleviation.

Results

Halotolerant endophytic fungi have been isolated from over 50 species across 42 genera and 30 families. Key findings show fungi modulate ionic homeostasis, elevate antioxidant capacities, and stimulate plant growth under saline conditions. Field trials demonstrated 15-40% crop yield increases, with composite inoculants showing greater stability and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Halotolerant endophytic fungi demonstrate remarkable potential for sustainable agriculture in saline-alkali soils through multiple stress-alleviating mechanisms. Despite promising results, challenges remain in field colonization efficiency, host specificity, and biotechnological applications. Future research should focus on ecological adaptability and microbiological interactions for enhanced agricultural implementation.
  • Published in:Plants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/plants14182907, 41012059
Scroll to Top