1. Characterization of Fungal Isolates Associated with Rhizospheric Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) from Different Plant Species in Mwea, Mitunguu, and Juja in Central Kenya.
- Author
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Muiruri, Jacinta, Kavoo, Agnes, Mwashasha, Mwajita R., Rimberia, Freda K., and Wekesa, Tofick B.
- Subjects
VESICULAR-arbuscular mycorrhizas ,PLANT species ,PLANT nutrients ,NUTRIENT uptake - Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are associated with plant roots and exhibit beneficial impacts such as stress tolerance, better nutrient uptake, and water absorption. These functions have opened the door to research opportunities for considering other fungi associated with AMF on the root rhizosphere. This study aimed to characterize fungal isolates associated with rhizospheric indigenous AMF from different plant species, i.e., banana, grass, and papaya, in three agroecologies, i.e., Mwea, Mitunguu, and Juja in Central Kenya. A total of 30 fungal isolates were isolated from soil samples through the pour plate technique. The isolates had diverse microscopic morphological characteristics, describable in form, margin, color, size, and surface. Physiochemical parameters showed varied growth at different pH values, temperatures, and salinity levels. Optimal growth appeared at pH 7.0, 30-35 °C, and 0-0.5 M NaCl salinity. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and AMF subunit sequences showed a level of diversity similar to Aspergillus spp. Ajellomyces spp., Fusarium spp., Trichoderma spp., Penicillium spp., Glomus spp., and Diversispora spp. In conclusion, there was a symbiotic relationship between AMF and other fungal isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2025