IMPACT OF PLANT-FUNGI SYMBIOSIS ON PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND NUTRITION

The interactions between plants and fungi play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance and plant health. Fungi interact with plants in three main ways: symbiosis (mutually beneficial), parasitism (harmful), and saprotrophy (breaking down dead organic matter to enrich the soil). Mycorrhizal fungi enhance plant nutrient and water uptake, boosting photosynthesis and increasing resistance to drought and saline soils. However, pathogenic fungi disrupt nutrient balance, alter hormonal regulation, and weaken photosynthesis. Beneficial fungi protect plants from harmful microorganisms and promote growth. The impact of fungi on plants depends on environmental conditions and specific plant-fungi relationships.