Effects of abiotic stresses and climate change on plant-fungi symbiosis

Abstract

Plants are naturally colonized by numerous fungal entities which establish different symbiotic relationships with the hosts. Mycorrhizal or pathogenic associations are generally characterized by mutualistic and antagonistic symbiosis, respectively. Endophytic fungi, on the other hand, vary their relationship with the host according to its vegetative state. These complex and delicate balances can be altered by environmental disturbance agents, capable of inducing acute or chronic stresses on the host plants. In particular, climate change, causing vegetational and physiological alterations, can be directly or indirectly related to variations in the symbiotic relationship between fungi and plants. Furthermore, the introduction of new species of fungal microorganisms or the recrudescence of fungal infections have already been reported as a consequence of global warming. In the light of these new emergencies, it is appropriate to define innovative strategies aimed, on the one hand, at restoring the best vegetative state of the plants and, on the other, at containing new infections.