Abstract

Plant-microbe interactions are intricate processes that occur within the plant’s cellular system. Biochemical, molecular, and physiological research is helping to understand these complex interactions. With increasing climatic change, it is now more important than ever to define and interpret plant-microbe relationships in terms of sustainability. In this regard, fungi constitute an important integral component of the ecosystem and play a significant role in sustaining the health and terrestrial ecosystem. Fungi have an immense role in achieving the target of sustainability. The role of fungi ranges from acting as bio-inoculants, biocontrol agents, and abiotic stress alleviators to bioremediation and extends to the production of pigments for the industrial sector. Thus, exploitation of the fungi is an economical and cost-effective way that could be employed to meet the major challenges of sustainability and moving toward clean and green environment. The present review deals with the biotechnological applications of the fungal communities in agriculture, environment, and food industry for future sustainability.

Key words: Agriculture, Biocontrol, Biofertilizers, Bioremediation, Fungi, Pigments, Wastewater treatment