**2. Database retrieval strategy**

The literature review was done electronically utilizing 'Google Scholar', 'PubMed', 'Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO)', 'cassavabase', and the 'Scopus databases. The articles to be examined were initially chosen using the following keyword combinations: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, plant-pathogen relationship, cassava mycorrhizae; plant pathogen; abiotic factors; biotic factors, salinity; heavy metals. The majority of the chosen research articles (80% of all references) were published between 2018 and 2022. Given its relevance in the history of mycorrhizae, an old publication from 1885 was added.

### **3. The significance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)**

AMF is the most common type of endophytic fungus to colonize the root of its host [6]. Their positive impacts on the survival of their host are widely documented, and these effects include but are not limited to nutrient uptake, assisting with soil aggregation, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stress [6–9]. As a result, AMF symbioses have a major impact on the yield of the host and the health of the surrounding soil in both natural and laboratory settings [10]. According to Salomon et al. [11], certain AMF species can colonize a host plant and increase the number of its mycorrhizae in organic soils. The AMF's hyphae graze on the soil's water and mineral deposits before passing them on to the host plant, ensuring plant production and diversity even in soils low in micronutrients like phosphorus (P) [12]. The root system then passively refluxes these nutrients to the fungus [11]. Consequently, utilizing the soil

microbial communities can result in the most sustainable and healthy crop production method. This will help to protect the biosphere by enhancing not just the soil's fertility even in adverse weather, as well as the plants' nutrition and health. When these potentials are combined, they would support agriculture and boost global food security [12, 13].

Studies on the interaction of AMF and cassava plants in responding to abiotic and biotic stressors are scarce, despite the extensive study on AMF symbiosis. However, due to the rising and unavoidable stress conditions (with biotic and abiotic factors), it is challenging to meet the global food needs. This study consequently discusses the role of AMF in controlling plant nutrition and growth in response to biotic stresses (plant diseases) as well as abiotic stresses including salinity, water scarcity, floods, high and low temperatures, soil acidity, and soil management, in addition to the involvement of AMF in the sustainable soil management nutrients.
