Role of Serendipita indica in enhancing drought tolerance in crops

Abstract

The root endophytic fungus Serendipita indica (S. indica) acts as a bio-fertilizer, immuno-modulator, stress-buster and enhances plant growth, and protects the host plant from various biotic and abiotic stresses. Recent high-throughput omics approaches have helped in understanding the role of S. indica in host plants under stress conditions. The present review focuses on the mechanism of S. indica mediated drought-tolerance in crops by analyzing morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes. Interactions of S. indica with other plant growth-promoting microorganisms have been discussed. The knowledge gap and future prospects have been pointed out.