Mycology in Enhancing Agriculture: From Crop Protection to Crop Yield Improvement
摘要
Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that play an important role in agricultural ecosystems. While many fungi are known for causing plant diseases, others are highly beneficial, promoting soil fertility, breaking down environmental pollutants, plant growth, nutrient cycling, and natural pest and disease control. In a changing planet where consumers demand food production systems to use safer, cost-effective, and environmentally friendlier strategies, technologies, and applications, fungi have become indispensable. This chapter discusses the multipronged agroecological and beneficial functions of fungi, from promoting crop growth to protecting crop health. This chapter also highlights the applications and significance of beneficial fungi in enhancing agriculture in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, which strongly rely on agriculture and allied industries. Beneficial fungi are crucial for addressing environmental and agricultural challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. As research advances, fungi will be increasingly important in ecosystem restoration, climate change mitigation efforts, and sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia and beyond.