Versatile Piriformospora indica and Its Potential Applications in Horticultural Crops

Modern horticultural crop production systems target the exploitation of sustainable techniques for crop improvement while maintaining balance with the environment. Several beneficial microbes have been investigated and have yielded remarkable results. The endophytic fungus, Piriformospora indica, is one microbe group with the potential to offer numerous benefits and opportunities in modern horticultural crop production. This plant growth-promoting mycorrhizal fungus is of particular interest due to its beneficial implications in plant growth and development. The fungus has been experimentally proven to significantly improve water and nutrient/mineral absorption, early flowering, seed production/germination and plant photosynthetic capability, growth rates; especially in nutrient-deprived soils, alter the production of secondary metabolites, and promote adaptation, tolerance and/or resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. Its unique capability to be axenically cultured makes it feasible for research and application. These attributes in combinations with its broad host range, offer immense potential for this fungus for research in horticultural plant improvement. Thus, this review highlights the potential applications of P. indica in horticultural crops research and production.