FIGURE 1.

Differential response of non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal plants under salt stress. Accumulation of salt in soil creates competition for nutrient uptake and transport. This leads to imbalance of the ionic composition of plant, thereby affecting plant’s physiological traits. AMF increase the volume of soil explored by plant roots, upregulate several cation transporters, leading to improved nutrient uptake, and also maintains ionic homeostasis. Salinity lowers soil water potential causing cellular dehydration due to decrease in water uptake. AM negates this effect by mediating accumulation of osmolytes and also improves plant’s water status by improving root hydraulic conductivity. Salinity induces oxidative stress due to imbalance in ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation and the quenching activities of antioxidants. AMF are known to improve both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems of plants. Photosynthesis is also negatively affected by salinity. AM has a positive effect on photosynthesis under salt stress. Overall, AMF improve the performance of plant under salt stress.