Role of Serendipita indica in enhancing drought tolerance in crops

The root endophytic fungus Serendipita indica (S. indica) acts as a bio-fertilizer, immuno-modulator, stress-buster and enhances plant growth, and protects the host plant from various biotic and abiotic stresses. Recent highthroughput omics approaches have helped in understanding the role of S. indica in host plants under stress conditions. The present review focuses on the mechanism of S. indica mediated drought-tolerance in crops by analyzing morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes. Interactions of S. indica with other plant growth-promoting microorganisms have been discussed. The knowledge gap and future prospects have been pointed out.