For the past few decades, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have been applied as effective inoculants to enhance plant growth and productivity. The rhizosphere-inhabiting microorganisms which result in improvement of growth and protection of plant can be collectively defined as plant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPM). Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) improve plant growth and supports the plant to endure abiotic and biotic stresses. Plant growth
promoting fungi (PGPF) are known to colonize the region of the root of plants, and they enhance the plant nutrient uptake. The utilization of proper preparations of beneficial microorganisms is an inevitable demand to diminish the inputs of inorganic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides; moreover, it’s one of the most promising trends for sustainable agriculture and maintaining agricultural productivity. The production of strong inhibitory compounds by PGPF affects many plant pathogens. Fungi are omnipresent on organic compounds. The majority is saprobes and decomposes dead organic matter. Many excellent reviews about endophytic fungi in woody plants have already been published. However, only limited studies focused on the rhizosphere free living fungi efficacy for plant growth promotion. This review will consider the mode of actions of these fungi to better understand the promising contributions of PGPF in enhancing plant growth and protection.