Improved tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.) to heavy metals by colonization of a dark septate endophyte (DSE) Exophiala pisciphila

►Effect of DSE (E. pisciphila) on heavy metal tolerance of maize host was studied. ►DSE alleviated the deleterious effect of excessive heavy metals on maize. ►DSE restricted the transfer of heavy metals from the roots to shoots in maize. ►DSE colonization improved the tolerance of their host plants to heavy metals.