Serendipita indica: Harnessing its versatile potential for food and nutritional security. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shekhawat, Pooja Kanwar; Jangir, Pooja; Bishnoi, Alka; Roy, Shweta; Ram, Hasthi; Soni, Praveen
• Is Part Of: Physiological and molecular plant pathology. Volume 116(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Serendipita indica -- Agronomic attributes -- Food quality -- Nutrient enrichment -- Secondary metabolites; Plant diseases -- Periodicals; Diseased plants -- Physiology -- Periodicals; Phytopathogenic microorganisms -- Host plants -- Periodicals; 632
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pmpp.2021.101708
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-5765

Abstract

Abstract: Quantity as well as quality of food is a major concern for increasing human population. Serendipita indica, a root endophytic fungus, has multifarious applications in agriculture. It increases nutrient and water uptake, carbon assimilation efficiency and stress-resistance which in turn enhances the growth and yield of plants. Moreover, it improves contents of minerals, fatty acids and essential oil, composition of oil, and fruit firmness in different plants. It also enhances the production of secondary metabolites having medicinal properties. This review highlights the role of Serendipita indica in increasing crop production and improving food quality. The underlying mechanism has also been illustrated. Highlights: S. indica, a rootonic fungus having a wide host range, promotes plant growth and agronomic traits. Nutritional quality (minerals, oil, taste, sugars, etc.) of edible parts of different plants is improved by S . indica. S . indica also increases the contents of specific secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. Nutrient acquisition, increase in photosynthetic efficiency, modulation of phytohormones, regulation of gene expression, etc. are mediated by S . indica.