Endophytic Fungi of Rice and Their Role in Sustainable Agriculture

To address the global food demand, enhanced agricultural productivity has been attained through the application of endophytic microbes. Rice (Oryza sativa) serves as a staple food grain for a significant portion of the global population, contributing to over 20% of the daily calorie intake. The deepwater rice (DWR) variety is distinguished by its ability to elongate under deep flooding and endure anaerobic conditions resulting from rising water levels. Few crop plants exhibit the capacity to thrive under as diverse agroclimatic conditions as rice. The exploration and comprehension of rice-associated endophytic fungi bear considerable implications for sustainable agricultural practices. Fungal endophytes isolated from diverse rice varieties play a pivotal role in sustainable agriculture by their nitrogen fixation capability, plant growth-promoting activity, biocontrol potential, biofertilization, and management of biotic and abiotic stresses, among other functions. Given the manifold beneficial effects offered by rice fungal endophytes, numerous inquiries have been undertaken to elucidate plant–fungus symbiotic relationships. There are limited studies available on fungal endophytes associated with deepwater ecosystems. However, as elaborated in this review, the utilization of endophytic fungi holds significant potential as biofertilizers, bioinoculants, and biocontrol agents in sustainable agriculture.