This study examined the effects of Serendipita indica colonization and cadmium (Cd) exposure on the morphophysiological characteristics of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Our findings revealed that Cd stress significantly reduced plant and root height, root volume, fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots, leaf number, and the uptake of essential minerals. Cd exposure also diminished photosynthetic pigment levels while increasing certain biochemical properties and causing cadmium accumulation in plant tissues. However, the colonization of fenugreek by S. indica mitigated these adverse effects. This symbiotic association enhanced root volume, leaf number, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium uptake, as well as the dry weights of shoots and roots, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and proline levels. Additionally, S. indica presence reduced electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels, and cadmium accumulation in leaves, effectively alleviating Cd-induced oxidative stress. In conclusion, our research highlights the potential of S. indica to counteract the detrimental impacts of Cd exposure in fenugreek plants, promoting resilience under environmental stress. Notably, S. indica restricted root-to-shoot Cd translocation, which is critical for mitigating Cd toxicity. Furthermore, its presence improved physiological parameters, including photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate and proline content, and biomass production, under Cd-induced stress conditions.
