Endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. enhances growth and salinity tolerance of salt-sensitive rice IR-64
R. R. Abhishek and *H. M. Kumaraswamy
Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Department of Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta - 577 451 (India) *Corresponding Author Address: Dr. Kumaraswamy H M, Department of Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Shankaraghatta - 577 451 (India) E-mail: drhmklab@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that negatively affects agricultural crop growth worldwide. Fungal endophytes are nonpathogenic, plant-associated microbes that play a significant role in conferring plant tolerance to salt stress. The exploitation of such bio stimulants and stress alleviators may benefit crop productivity and environmental sustainability. In the present study, we examined the role of a halotolerant fungal endophyte, Fusarium sp., for its ability to improve the growth performance of rice under salt stress. Inoculation with Fusarium sp., enhanced plant growth parameters under both laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Rice enriched with Fusarium sp., enhanced the production of chlorophyll pigments and decreased the levels of H2O2 and lipid peroxidation in rice under saline conditions. Conclusively, the present study suggests that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging abilities of the endophytic fungus can boost plant resistance to salinity, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.