Piriformospora indica: a versatile root endophytic symbiont

Piriformospora indica, a unique root endophytic basidiomycete, exhibits symbiotic association with a variety of host plants. Spacio-temporally, the biphasic lifestyle of the fungus is characterized by distinct biotrophic and cell death associated root colonization processes. Fungal components such as fungal chitin induce specific host immune responses which also play an important role in establishing a successful sustainable interaction. The fungus-induced Pattern Triggered Immunity (PTI) is regulated by a complex interplay amongst the various phytohormones and anti-microbial molecules. The association so built up imparts a broad spectrum of benefits to the host viz., high salt tolerance, disease resistance, resistance to heavy metal toxicity, and growth-promotion involving value addition. These characteristics of P. indica can be translated into specific applications in agriculture and horticulture. The current article also outlines the future research prospects of this highly versatile fungus.