This research discovered new beneficial fungi living in coastal salt marshes that could help crops grow better in salty soils. The scientists found that certain fungi, particularly new species of Trichoderma, can protect plants from diseases and promote their growth even under harsh salty conditions. This has important real-world implications: • Could help expand agriculture into previously unsuitable salty soils • Provides natural alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides • Helps address food security by making more land suitable for farming • Offers sustainable solutions for coastal farming affected by seawater intrusion • Demonstrates the value of studying natural ecosystems to find solutions for agriculture