The monokaryotic filamentous fungus Ustilago sp. HFJ311 promotes plant growth and reduces Cd accumulation by enhancing Fe transportation and auxin biosynthesis

Infection with smut fungus like Ustilago maydis decreases crop yield via inducing gall formation. However, the in vitro impact of Ustilago spp. on plant growth and stress tolerance remains elusive. This study investigated the plant growth promotion and cadmium stress mitigation mechanisms of a filamentous fungus discovered on a cultural medium containing 25 μM CdCl