Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient required to enhance crop growth and yield. In the arid - semiarid region, Zn deficiency is expected due to alkaline calcareous soil. Contrarily, Zn toxicity is also becoming an environmental concern due to increasing anthropogenic activities (metal smelting, copper industry, etc.). Therefore, balanced Zn application is necessary to save resources and achieve optimum crop growth and yield. Most scientists suggest biological approaches to overcome the problem of Zn toxicity and deficiency. These biological approaches are mostly environment-friendly and cost-effective. In these biological approaches, the use of arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) symbiosis is becoming popular. It can provide tolerance to the host plant against Zn-induced stress. Inoculation of AMF helps in balance uptake of Zn and enhances the growth and yield of crops. On the other hand, maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop due to its multifarious uses. As maize is an effective host for mycorrhizae symbiosis, that's why this review was written to elaborate on the beneficial role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The review aimed to glance at the recent advances in the use of AMF to enhance nutrient uptake, especially Zn. It was also aimed to discuss the mechanism of AMF to overcome the toxic effect of Zn. We have also discussed the detailed mechanism and physiological improvement in the maize plant. In conclusion, AMF can play an imperative role in improving maize growth, yield, and balance uptake of Zn by alleviating Zn stress and mitigating its toxicity.

City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications New Burg Al Arab Alexandria Egypt

Department of Agronomy Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan

Department of Agronomy The University of Haripur Haripur 22620 Pakistan

Department of Geology and Pedology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology Mendel University in Brno Zemedelska 3 61300 Brno Czech Republic

Department of Horticulture Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan

Department of Soil Science Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan

Institute of Bioproduct Development Skudai Johor Bahru Johor Malaysia

Institute of Genetics and Plants Experimental Biology Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan Tashkent Uzbekistan

Sinarmas Forestry Corporate Research and Development Perawang 28772 Indonesia

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