Fungi from soil coffee crop shows glyphosate tolerance and promotes plant growth

Glyphosate (GLY) residues in soil, water, and food have raised environmental and health concerns. Some microorganisms can degrade pesticides and promote plant growth by improving nutrient availability and producing bioactive metabolites. This study aimed to identify fungi from coffee plantation soils with GLY tolerance and plant growth-promoting potential. Fungi were isolated on GLY-containing media and screened in liquid culture with increasing GLY concentrations as the sole nutrient source. The most tolerant isolates were evaluated for GLY use as carbon (C), phosphorus (P), and nitrogen (N) as nutrient sources. All the isolates were also tested for their phosphate solubilization potential in vitro . Two isolates, FSC-1 and FSC-28, were selected for greenhouse tests on tomato plants. Among 37 isolates, 26 tolerated up to 480 mmol L −1 of GLY, and 12 utilized it as a P or N source. FSC-1, FSC-2, FSC-18, and FSC-28 showed the highest tolerance and phosphate solubilization, along with FSC-9, FSC-26, and FSC-29. Molecular analysis identified Gongronella butleri and Purpureocillium spp. as dominant among tolerant strains. In greenhouse trials, Purpureocillium aff. lilacinum FSC-1 and P. lavendulum FSC-28 enhanced tomato root growth and biomass. These fungi show potential for use in biotechnological strategies to improve crop performance and bioremediation in GLY-contaminated environments.