Arbuscular Mycorrhiza: A Versatile Component for Alleviation of Salt Stress

摘要

Salt-affected soil is one of the most serious abiotic stress that causes reduced plant growth, developmentand productivity worldwide. Plants, in their natural environment, are colonized both by external and internalmicroorganisms. These microorganisms, particularly beneficial bacteria and fungi, can improve plantperformance under stress environments and, consequently, enhance yield. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM)fungi are associated with the roots of over 80% terrestrial plant species including halophytes, hydrophytesand xerophytes. In this respect, bioreclamation using mycorrhiza for alleviating salt stress would be a betteroption. AM fungi promote plant growth and salinity tolerance by different ways, such as enhancing nutrientacquisition, producing plant growth hormones, improving rhizospheric and soil conditions, altering thephysiological and biochemical properties of the host and defending roots against soil-borne pathogens.