Enhancing rice growth in adverse conditions: the role of dark septate endophytes in salt and water scarcity tolerance

Global warming increasingly challenges agricultural productivity due to rising salt and water scarcity stress. In response to these challenges, the present study investigates the potential of dark septate endophytes (DSEs) from Khawrihnim Village, Mizoram, India, to enhance the tolerance of upland rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i>). Two DSE species, <i>Acrocalymma vagum</i> and <i>Alternaria chlamydospora</i>, were identified and examined for their potential enhancement of plant resilience to salt and water scarcity stress. The result showed that both DSE species substantially impacted rice seed germination, biomass accumulation, and oxidative stress responses under salt and water scarcity conditions. Biomass content was augmented under elevated stress levels (−0.90 MPa), suggesting possible stress tolerance mechanisms. Increased superoxide dismutase activity and diminished malondialdehyde levels under stress conditions underscored the DSE’s capacity to alleviate reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in plants. Furthermore, seed and shoot germination rates were markedly enhanced by 60% using DSEs as biofertilizers, particularly evident in direct treatments. These findings highlight the efficacy of the DSEs <i>Acrocalymma vagum</i> and <i>Alternaria chlamydospore</i> as biofertilizers to enhance plant development and resilience in adverse environmental conditions. Their capacity to augment abiotic stress resilience and promote agricultural sustainability presents a significant opportunity for enhancing crop output, especially in areas susceptible to stress.