Beneficial networking between AMF and plants leads to improved stress tolerance

With increasing restrictions on chemical fertilizers and rising incidence of climate-induced stresses, Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) offer an eco-friendly strategy to improve plant resilience. AMF establishes highly specialized symbiosis with plant roots by forming arbuscules within cortical cells, thereby functioning as key regulators of plant growth and soil ecosystem dynamics. They enhance nutrient acquisition, improve soil aggregation, and influence microbial community composition, making them indispensable partners for sustainable agriculture. Beyond facilitating nutrient cycling, AMF mitigates the adverse impacts of drought, salinity, heat stress, heavy metal toxicity etc. Their interactions with soil amendments, including nanoparticles, biochar and vermicompost, etc. further amplify their multifunctional benefits, contributing to soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and crop productivity. This review integrates current progress in understanding the ecological and protective functions of AMF, highlights their synergistic roles with organic amendments, and identifies critical research gaps. By bringing together insights on stress mitigation, soil health, and amendment-driven benefits, the review provides a comprehensive perspective on how AMF can be strategically harnessed as a natural bio-resource for climate-smart, sustainable agriculture.