Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Crops
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ajns.2389Keywords:
Mycorrhizal Fungi, Drought, Tolerance, CropsAbstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the role of mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing drought tolerance in crops.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: The study revealed that mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in enhancing drought tolerance in crops by forming symbiotic relationships with plant roots, which significantly improves the plant's water uptake and nutrient acquisition. These fungi extend their hyphae into the soil, effectively increasing the root surface area and enabling the plants to access water and essential nutrients, such as phosphorus, from a larger volume of soil. Additionally, mycorrhizal associations enhance the soil structure, promoting better water retention and reducing soil erosion. This symbiosis also triggers physiological and biochemical changes in plants, including the accumulation of osmoprotectants and antioxidants, which help mitigate the stress caused by drought conditions. Research has shown that mycorrhizal inoculation can improve crop yield and resilience, making it a vital strategy in sustainable agriculture, especially in regions prone to water scarcity. Thus, integrating mycorrhizal fungi into crop management practices offers a promising approach to enhance crop productivity and stability under drought stress.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Mutualism theory, plant stress theory and ecological niche theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the role of mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing drought tolerance in crops. Farmers and agronomists to adopt mycorrhizal inoculation as a standard practice in drought-prone regions. Policymakers should allocate funding and resources to support research on mycorrhizal fungi and their role in drought tolerance.
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