Applications of Aspergillus in Plant Growth Promotion

Abstract Fungi in the genus Aspergillus are used in various forms and treatments for their beneficial effects on plants, plant growth promotion, and protection. The research has found that Aspergillus spp. benefit plants in a large number of ways. In the pretreatment of soils, through the extracellular production of phytases, they mineralize phosphate from inaccessible organic sources, or make inorganic sources more readily available to plants. In direct applications to plants, they continue to aid the plant in phosphate uptake but also induce growth promotion through the production of biologically active compounds including auxins, gibberellins, and other phytohormone-like compounds and an array of secondary metabolites. Aspergillus spp. used in conjunction with other plant growth-promoting microorganisms induce additive effects on all aspects of plant growth and development, induce systemic resistance, and significantly reduce stress experienced by the plant. Aspergillus spp. are multifaceted fungi that benefit the plant in many ways.