Strains of Zygomycetes, belonging to the genera Zygorhynchus, Mortierella, Rhizopus, Mucor, and Cunninghamella, when cultivated on glucose produced significant quantities of γ‐linolenic acid (GLA). After exhaustion of the nitrogen source from the culture medium, all strains accumulated cellular lipids in concentrations ranging from 10 to 28% (oil/dry mycelium). However, in some strains after the depletion of the carbon source (glucose) from the culture medium, a reconsumption of the accumulated oil and synthesis of fat‐free cell material was observed. Accumulation of large amounts of oil in the mycelium resulted in the production of oil with low GLA content. Rhizopus stolonifer strain LGAM (9)1, and Cunninghamella sp. strain LGAM (9)2 produced more than 30 mg GLA/g of dry cellular mass. Cunninghamella sp. accumulated 28.1% oil/dry cellular mass, which contained 11.9% GLA. The production of GLA was 260 mg/L of culture medium.

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Climate change has gained importance due to its severe consequences for many aspects of life. Increasing temperature, drought and greenhouse gases affect directly or indirectly the productivity of agricultural and natural ecosystems as well as human health. The nutrient supply capacity of the soil is diminishing, while food requirements for the growing population are increasing. The ongoing application of agrochemicals results in adverse effects on ecosystem functioning and food chain. Now, more than ever, there is a need to mitigate the effects of agricultural activities on climate change using environmentally friendly techniques. The role of plant beneficial microorganisms on this global challenge is increasingly being explored, and there is strong evidence that could be important. The use of functional microbial guilds forms an alternative or even a supplementary approach to common agricultural practices, due to their ability to act as biofertilizers and promote plant growth. Application of microbial inocula has a significantly lower impact on the environment compared to chemical inputs, while the agricultural sector will financially benefit, and consumers will have access to quality products. Microbial inoculants could play an important role in agricultural stress management and ameliorate the negative impacts of climate change. This short review highlights the role of microbes in benefiting agricultural practices against climate-changing conditions. In particular, the main microbial plant growth-promoting functional traits that are related to climate change are presented and discussed. The importance of microbial inoculants’ multifunctionality is debated, while future needs and challenges are also highlighted.

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